Photo Credit: A rendering of Coliseo GNP Seguros on the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara campus / OCESA
Guadalajara’s Coliseo GNP Seguros opens its doors with a performance from Michael Bublé, christening the 30,000-capacity stadium as a new major player.
Guadalajara, already Mexico’s second-largest market, is poised to become a significant player in the live entertainment industry on the heels of Mexico City’s rapid ascent to one of the world’s top live music destinations. This week, the city celebrated the grand opening of its new Coliseo GNP Seguros, a 30,000-capacity stadium, with a performance from Michael Bublé.
Rod Stewart, who had to cancel due to medical issues last month, was originally slated to open the stadium, but Bublé stepped in. The Canadian crooner last performed in the region three years ago; his setlist this time around included his original hits as well as covers of classics like “Moondance,” “L-O-V-E,” and “You Were Always on My Mind.”
The venue was formerly known as Estadio 3 de Marzo but was recently renovated by OCESA in partnership with the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, a prominent university in the city. The stadium has a rich 55-year history, having hosted World Cup matches in the ’80s and acts such as Luis Miguel, Roger Waters, and Shakira.
“Jalisco holds a special place in Mexico’s cultural history, and Guadalajara is an indispensable city within the national live entertainment circuit,” said Alejandro Soberón, CEO of OCESA. “The new Coliseo GNP Seguros represents a long-term partnership between OCESA, GNP Seguros, and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara to continue creating the conditions that will allow more artists to include Guadalajara in their tours, more visitors to come to Jalisco, and the economic benefits generated by each show to reach hotels, restaurants, transportation, retail, tourism, and local suppliers.”
The venue has six other shows booked for the rest of 2026, including Natanael Cano on September 25; Alejandro Sanz in October; and Gorillaz in December.
Meanwhile, concert promoter Peachtree Entertainment was recently named as the co-owner and exclusive operator of a new venue to open in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2027. The Rail, located within The Commons, just a mile from downtown, represents a major investment in the city’s future, according to backers.
The Rail features a capacity of 2,200 guests and over 1,000 seats for theater-style events, with flexibility to accommodate national touring artists while promising state-of-the-art fan amenities. These amenities will include six full-service bars, two outdoor decks, premium VIP spaces, and an exclusive membership program.