Bigger. Better. Newer. As The New Arrowhead continues to take shape, its reach into the global sports platform has already begun to show. International soccer returned to Arrowhead Stadium last night when two of Mexico’s premier First Division teams, Club Deportivo Guadalajara S.A. de C.V. (Chivas) met long-time rival Club America in a celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Chivas won the contest 2-1 in front of 26,119 fans.

“We are pleased to be able to host one of the most historic annual soccer matches in the world in the ‘Clasico Nacional’,” Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said. “Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America represent two of the most passionate fan bases in the sport and we are excited to bring the game to the New Arrowhead.”

Both Club Deportivo Chivas and Club America have a long history of competition dating back to 1943 and are considered to be in the elite class of Mexican soccer. Club Deportivo boasts a record 11 league titles while America has 10.

The match, known as “el Clasico de los Clasicos,” is routinely followed by fans throughout North America, especially those of Mexican heritage who gravitate to their respective clubs because of their employment of players of Mexican birth.

Arrowhead’s soccer heritage dates back to the early 1970s shortly after the stadium opened. It has featured World Cup qualifying round matches and the U.S. Olympic Women’s team. In the past month, The New Arrowhead was named as a finalist for a bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ in either 2018 or 2022.

Last night’s contest represents just one aspect of the reach that The New Arrowhead will have in bringing major events to Kansas City. Arrowhead has seen the likes of Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Guns & Roses, Metallica and U2 grace it’s domain since its dedication in 1972. As The New Arrowhead charges forward, a new era of major events and football tradition are in store.