CUIDAD JUÁREZ – Residents of Ciudad Juárez have recently expressed their joy over the inauguration of the new Estadio 8 de Diciembre and raised concerns about pedestrian safety at traffic signals throughout the city. The dual focus on sporting infrastructure and public safety highlights the community’s desire for both recreational and safe urban environments.
On January 31, 2025, the Estadio 8 de Diciembre was officially opened, marking a significant milestone for the south-eastern region of the city. Hundreds of Juárez residents flocked to the stadium to witness its inauguration and catch a professional football match between Bravos FC and Toros FC. Notably, local youth like Alexis from Cerradas del Parque attended, thrilled at the opportunity to see their favorite team live for the first time.
“I’m really happy the Municipal Government built this stadium here. Now, I can come to watch games and maybe even practice because I play football on weekends close to home,” stated Alexis, underscoring the stadium's immediate impact on local sports culture.
Héctor, another resident, attended the event with his adolescent children, highlighting the stadium as a beacon against local social ills. “I come from Senderos de San Isidro, and the stadium is just 20 minutes away. I brought my kids to promote sports and keep them away from bad influences like drugs. It’s great to see the government focus on this side of the city,” he remarked.
Echoing similar sentiments, Lupita from Horizontes del Sur and Lorenzo Antonio, who lives just three blocks away from the stadium, expressed optimism for the local youth. “This stadium will allow our young people to have somewhere to go and enjoy,” Lupita mentioned, with Lorenzo adding, “It’s good for us because now they won’t be out wandering and getting involved with drugs.”
A particularly popular sentiment among attendees is how the stadium not only brings excitement but also fills a gap for recreational facilities. Dana, 15, who attended with her sister and mother, articulated the importance of the venue: “It’s perfect. It’s a great chance for young people, plus we don’t have to go to the other side of the city for matches anymore.”
The Estadio 8 de Diciembre, located at the intersection of Calle Soneto 156 and Lote Bravo, can accommodate 4,050 spectators. It boasts advanced facilities including ticket booths, restroom facilities, showers, audio equipment, synthetic grass turf, and areas for athletics.
While many residents revelled in the new stadium, civic organizations were simultaneously reaching out to local leaders concerning another pressing issue: pedestrian safety at traffic lights. Local advocacy groups submitted a letter to the city’s Mobility Commission expressing their concerns about traffic signals obstructing pedestrian pathways on major thoroughfares like Paseo Triunfo de la República and Teófilo Borunda.
The letter pointed out specific problem areas, particularly the intersections of Paso Triunfo de la República with Francisco Márquez and Avenida De las Américas. Activists highlighted how poorly placed traffic signals force pedestrians to navigate around them or even step onto busy roads, creating unnecessary risks.
“The signals have been installed in positions blocking pedestrian passage, forcing people to navigate around obstacles or even descend onto the roadway, exposing them to unnecessary risks,” the letter stated, underscoring the need for urgent action.
The organizations stressed the need for the city to comply with the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety, which mandates safe pedestrian access and prioritizes pedestrian safety. They urged the Mobility Commission, led by Coordinator José Eduardo Valenzuela Martínez, to take immediate measures to address these infrastructure concerns.
The pervasive involvement of local collectives—such as Fundación Juárez Integra and Ciudadanos por una Mejor Administración Pública—reflects the community’s increasing engagement and activism concerning urban safety and development issues.
With the new stadium serving as both a lavish recreational venue and the call for improved pedestrian infrastructure, residents of Ciudad Juárez are signaling their desire for comprehensive urban development prioritizing both enjoyment and safety. The dual narrative of celebration and caution may well shape future infrastructure plans, as community voices become increasingly prominent.