On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Mexico City faced heavy rains and flooding that led to an Orange Alert in the Miguel Hidalgo borough, where the Campo Marte venue is located. This weather disruption forced the French electronic pop band L’Impératrice to postpone their concert scheduled at the Music Pavilion of Campo Marte 26 Santander, as announced on their official channels. The band emphasized that the decision prioritized the safety of artists, attendees, and staff amid adverse conditions.

Campo Militar Marte, traditionally a site for solemn military ceremonies, flag-raisings, and official Armed Forces events, has recently been repurposed as a commercial venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities. From June 11 to July 19, the space hosts “Campo Marte 26 Santander,” a private event featuring live match broadcasts, concerts, VIP zones, ticket sales, and alcohol consumption.

This transformation, authorized by the Secretariat of National Defense under General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo and military leadership including General Francisco Jesús Leana Ojeda, has sparked criticism. Neighbors and activists question the appropriateness of turning a symbolically patriotic military site into a profit-driven event space managed by companies like Eco en Vivo and Ocesa.

Key concerns include:
– The military’s involvement in commercial activities, reportedly including the sale and service of alcoholic beverages by military personnel, effectively turning soldiers into operators of a large-scale cantina within a military installation.
– The alleged financial gain for the Mexican Army, reportedly receiving 45 million pesos plus additional revenue from ticket sales and alcohol.
– The erasure of Campo Marte’s civic and patriotic character in favor of a commercial enterprise hosting over 10,000 attendees with extensive event infrastructure.

Further controversy surrounds event safety. According to document SGIRPC/DGVC/0970/2026 cited by critics, the Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection found no records of a Special Civil Protection Program for “Campo Marte 26 Santander.” This contradicts claims by Miguel Hidalgo’s local government, which stated that the program had been approved.

For Mexico’s diverse and socially conscious communities, this situation raises important questions about the role of public spaces, military institutions, and the balance between cultural heritage and commercial interests. While the World Cup brings excitement and opportunities for social gathering, the debate over Campo Marte’s use highlights the need for transparency, respect for civic symbols, and inclusive urban policies that prioritize public good over profit.