Lucha Libre Mexico City – How to Buy Tickets, Drinks, and Enjoy the Show!

I was looking forward to many things before my first visit to Mexico City. The tacos, tequila, museums, and more tacos were high on my list however Lucha Libre in Mexico City was tops. Thankfully, my time experiencing what Lucha Libre Mexico City is all about did not disappoint.

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, attending a Lucha Libre match should be at the top of your must-do list. However, getting Mexico City Lucha Libre tickets can be tricky. In this post, we’ll provide you with tips on how to get tickets, suggest some Lucha Libre tours you can take, and give you an idea of what to expect from this exhilarating experience. So, grab your wrestling mask and let’s dive into the world of Lucha Libre in Mexico City!

What is Lucha Libre?

Lucha Libre is Mexican wrestling with some unique flair and twists. First and foremost, Luchadors wear masks to hide their true identity. This plays well into the soap opera style of the show that follows. A standard theme is an attempt to unmask a wrestler. This is a big deal as, once a luchador has been unmasked, there is no going back.

Secondly, Lucha Libre includes some high-flying aerobatics. The whole event is incredibly entertaining; you don’t need to know Spanish to understand what is happening. That said, knowing some curse words make the experience a little better. Cheer on the Técnicos or the Rudos (essentially good vs bad guys/gals) and join in on the fun.

A typical match plays out with the Rudos winning in some form of cheating while the ref is preoccupied, only to have the Técnicos, those that follow the rules more or less, come back in heroic fashion. That said, with my Lucha Libre Mexico City experience, the Rudos stole the show and won every match.

The History Mexico City Lucha Libre

The roots of Lucha Libre can be traced back to the early 20th century when travelling circuses would feature wrestling matches as part of their shows. These matches were often staged, with the outcome predetermined, but they quickly gained popularity among Mexican audiences. In the 1930s, a promoter named Salvador Lutteroth began organizing wrestling matches in Mexico City, bringing in wrestlers from the United States and creating a more structured and professional version of the sport.

Lutteroth’s promotion, which eventually became known as the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling Enterprise), introduced many of the elements that are now associated with Lucha Libre, including the use of masks and high-flying acrobatics. The popularity of Lucha Libre continued to grow throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with iconic wrestlers like El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Mascaras becoming household names.

Lucha libre also played an important role in Mexican politics during this time. In the 1950s and 1960s, the country was ruled by the authoritarian Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which used Lucha Libre as a way to promote its own image and control the masses. Wrestlers like El Santo and Blue Demon were often featured in government propaganda, and the sport became a symbol of Mexican nationalism and identity.

In the decades that followed, Lucha Libre continued to evolve and grow in popularity, with new stars like Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero rising to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, Lucha Libre remains an important part of Mexican culture, with regular matches held throughout the country and a dedicated fan base that includes people of all ages and backgrounds.

Where Can You Watch Lucha Libre in Mexico City?

With the origins understood, let’s look at how you can enjoy a match for yourself along with how to buy Lucha Libre Mexico City tickets.

Mexico City Lucha Libre matches take place in a couple of venues around the city. Arena México in the Colonia Doctores neighbourhood is your best bet as it is new(er) and the largest venue. Shows run Tuesday at 07:30 pm, Friday at 08:30 pm, and Sunday at 05:00 pm.

Arena Coliseo is another option and runs shows on Saturdays. The arena is 80+ years old and small. It’s located in the Cuauhtémoc neighbourhood and is considered a little rough so keep this in mind if you go to a show here. That said, those that go a little off the beaten path are rewarded with a more intimate experience and can get photos with the wrestlers.

How Do You Buy Lucha Libre Mexico City Tickets?

I was lucky enough to be going to a Mexico City Lucha Libre performance with some locals. This, no doubt, makes getting tickets easier. Still, getting tickets looks pretty straightforward. There is a map with seats based on price. Let the ticket agent know which area and how many tickets you would like. If they are sold out of the area you want, they will let you know.

You can get tickets in advance on ticketmaster.com however it may not be necessary if going to a Tuesday match. We went on a Friday and, although definitely busy, there were plenty of empty seats in the house.

Lucha Libre Mexico City Tour

If the hassle of getting Lucha Libre Mexico City tickets and navigating the arena on your own seems daunting, or if you just want to meet some new friends, then going on a guided Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City is for you. It’s an exciting and informative way to experience one of Mexico’s most popular cultural traditions while keeping you safe and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:

1. Transportation: The tour will typically include transportation to and from the Mexico City Lucha Libre venue. This can be especially helpful if you’re not familiar with the city’s public transportation system or if you prefer not to drive.
2. Guide: The tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will provide information about the history of Lucha Libre, the wrestlers, and the culture surrounding the sport. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have.
3. Access: Some Lucha Libre tours offer access to backstage areas and training facilities, allowing you to see the wrestlers up close and learn more about their training and preparation.
4. Food and drink: Many Lucha Libre tours include food and drink, such as a traditional Mexican meal and a drink, which you can enjoy before or after the match.
5. The match: The highlight of the tour will be attending a live Lucha Libre match. You’ll get to experience the excitement of the match and see the wrestlers in action, performing their high-flying moves and signature techniques.

Overall, a guided Lucha Libre tour in Mexico City is a great way to experience this unique cultural tradition and learn more about the history and culture behind the sport. I recommend taking this great tour which also gets you some street tacos and a pub stop!

Lucha Libre Mexico City – Drinks and Snacks

Watching Luch Libre isn’t complete unless you have a massive beer in hand. If you want to take that to the next level, I highly recommend the Chamoychelada!

Being Canadian, I love a good Caeser. For those that don’t know what that is, think Bloody Mary with Clamato, a tomato and clam juice drink. Mexico mixes Clamato and beer with spices and calls it a Michelada…or Chilada depending on who you ask.

Throughout my week in Mexico City, I was trying to nail down the differences between a Michelada and Chilada. Some places serve it with or without clamato. I eventually ended on Cubana or asking for “con Clamato” to be safe. Just when I thought I had it down, Lucha Libre Mexico City blew this away.

Enter the Chamoychelada – beer, clamato, lime, spices, and a super sticky rimmer made from Chamoy. The latter is sweet and bitter. Think tamarind candy with booze!

For these monster drinks, you need to head to the concourse. Otherwise, vendors are on hand to deliver beer and snacks to your seat. Drinks range from 40 – 100 pesos depending on size. Snacks are limited but do include chips and popcorn with hot sauce. If you are hungry, I suggest grabbing some street tacos out front before the match starts.

Lucha Libre Mexico City – Tips!

To make your Mexico City Lucha Libre experience as much fun as possible, here are a few tips:

1. Leave your camera at home. They are not allowed…thus the grainy cell phone pics in this post!
2. If you get Lucha Libre Mexico City tickets close to the stage, be prepared to be part of the show!
3. If you are shy, don’t get seats too far back!
4. The show is family-friendly although there is plenty of scantily clad women and Spanish curse words flying around.
5. That said, chant along!
6. Bring cash for drinks and food.
7. Enjoy the show!

Lucha Libre Mexico City FAQ’s

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