All eyes will be on Mexico City on June 11, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca, recently renamed Estadio Banorte.
The reopening event and a friendly match were held on March 28, with lighting control managed via Obsidian Control Systems’ NX consoles by lighting designer and Lightshow de México director Giovanny Garrido.
Garrido’s relationship with Obsidian Control Systems dates back to the launch of the M1 console.
At the time, we were the first in Guadalajara to have this console and, after fifteen years of use, it is still performing flawlessly on some of our projects!, he stated.
In recent years, he has acquired an Obsidian NX4 lighting console and Netron data distribution devices for ArtNet from Elation Professional Mexico. “Since discovering the Onyx software used by Obsidian, I have preferred working with these systems because of their versatility and practicality”, comments Garrido. “The workflow is dynamic, stable, and engaging”.
For the inauguration of Estadio Banorte, the designer used two Obsidian Onyx lighting consoles to control the lighting setup: a compact NX2 and an NX4 with an expanded control surface, with one unit positioned on the field and the other at front of house. “Having both consoles was essential for setting pre-lights on the field and monitoring what was happening from the television broadcast angles”.
In the control area, another console monitored data transmission, where Systems Engineering Manager Tomás Novoa used several fiber optic-to-network converters from the field to the control area. For this, Obsidian’s Netron EN4 and EN12 EtherDMX gateways were essential for data distribution.
Reflecting on the production setup, Garrido noted: I believe Obsidian systems democratize access to high technology, precision, and versatility for users of all levels, thanks to their high performance in highly cost-effective and accessible equipment.
All Obsidian products for the reopening event were supplied by Lightshow de México.
Throughout its 60-year history, Estadio Banorte has hosted two FIFA World Cups (1970 and 1986) and became legendary as the stadium where Pelé and Diego Maradona lifted the World Cup trophy. Now, following its renovation, the stadium is once again ready to host the world’s biggest sporting event, with a capacity of 87,500 spectators, new VIP areas, luxury locker rooms, and hybrid turf.
