Construction delays at Mexico venue force Katy Perry to cancel concerts

Arena Guadalajara, designed by KMD Architects and developed by Avalanz Zignia Live, will host sports, entertainment and cultural events when it is complete.

However, it has reportedly been beset by delays since construction started seven years ago and at one point during 2020, work was halted due to legal disputes.

It had been due to open in September 2024 before its opening date was then pushed back to February 2025 and then again to April 2025.

It has now emerged that performances by various artists from the end of this month have been cancelled after work was not finished in time. Concerts that have been cancelled include Carlos Rivera’s and Intocable’s gigs on 25 and 26 April respectively and Katy Perry’s shows on 1 and 2 May.

Announcing an earlier delay in January this year, a statement by Zignia Live said that it was pushing operations at the venue back to 25 April because it needed “additional time to make final adjustments”. “While we understand the excitement and anticipation surrounding the opening of this great venue, our priority is to provide a space that is completely ready to host world-class events,” it said.

Perry confirmed that her May performances dates have now been cancelled in an Instagram post, saying, “Sadly, I learned that the construction of Arena Guadalajara will not be complete for their scheduled shows next week, which includes mine on May 1 and 2.

“Last week I sent my team to the Arena to make sure there wasn’t anything we could do to make this happening but it was evident when they arrived that the venue was not ready or safe to receive my show or an audience.”