Neighbors of the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, are offering the QR code that the Coyoacán mayor’s office will give them to use their parking spaces during World Cup match dayswith prices ranging from 800 to 2,200 pesos (more than 125 dollars).
“I have five places on the street of San León, at 2,200 each per game, if you are interested. I need you to send me a copy of your INE (official identification) and your car’s registration card, and I will send you the code that the delegation gives us. You pay me half to set aside and the other half on the day of the game,” explains Leonardo during a tour carried out by EFE in the vicinity of the Mexico City Stadium.
The decision to disable parking at the venue during the matches has led residents of the Pedregal neighborhood of Santa Úrsula to seek economic benefit, after months of inconvenience caused by the remodeling works of the historic stadium, which will host the World Cup for the third time.
“It was a long time of ‘you can’t pass’, ‘the street is closed’. In itself, every time there are games it is complicated, but with the World Cup it became hell to get home. Now at least leave us something,” Leonardo adds.
Given the security and logistics protocol imposed by the FIFA and the local authorities – called ‘Last mile’ -, which establishes a closed and pedestrian perimeter of several kilometers around the stadiums, the Coyoacán mayor’s office reported in May that it will implement a controlled access system through a vehicle census and the use of QR codes for residents.
“Neighbors must provide data on their vehicles, such as make, model, color, plates, proof of address and driving card. With this information, a non-transferable and unforgeable QR code will be generated,” states the regulations published on the mayor’s website.
However, even though these codes are classified as non-transferable, some residents claim that proof of address is enough to validate any vehicle.
“I rent a place for 800 pesos (about 46 dollars) if you reserve the three games. There is no problem with the management, I present the receipt so they can give me the code and then I will give it to you,” says Paula, a resident of San Benito Street, about 300 meters from the stadium.
Rodolfo, owner of a blacksmith shop on San Alejandro Street, also offers spaces. With the requirements clear, request a payment of 1,000 pesos (almost 58 dollars) when delivering the QR code. “Write down my number and don’t delay confirming, because the places are highly sought after,” he warns.
Advertisements have also multiplied on social networks. On Facebook, under the label “World Parking Spaces”, spaces are offered from 500 pesos on Santa Úrsula Avenue, about ten minutes from the stadium, with direct contact to reserve.
The Mexico City Stadium will host five World Cup matches: three in the group stage, the opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa, the duel on the 17th between Uzbekistan and Colombia, and the closing of the first round on the 24th with Mexico vs. Czech Republic.
In addition, on June 30 a match of round of 32 and a round of 16 match on July 5, thus completing their participation in the tournament.