In an attempt to broaden the international reach of American football, the National Football League has scheduled a match-up between the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where the elevation is higher than expected.
Azteca Stadium sits at 7,280 feet above sea level, an altitude that can hinder athletic performance.
Former United States national team soccer star, Eric Wynalda, told USA Today Sports, “Azteca Stadium is the worst place to ever play a sporting event.”
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio believes in spending as little as possible in such thin air, looking to get his teams in and out quickly. The atmospheric conditions of Mexico City combined with the altitude of the stadium can be problematic for the athlete’s health.
“You can’t breathe. The pollution is so bad that if you don’t have some form of rain that’s brought all that down you are going to be sucking wind,” said Wynalda in an interview with USA Today Sports.
The Raiders have been taking precautions in preparation for the altitude all week by staying hydrated and improving their cardiovascular fitness in lighter air.
“We know we have to travel to play well regardless of the circumstances,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We understand some of the issues that are there, potentially. That’s been addressed. We’ll put our plan together and go down and compete.”
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The high altitude could have an impact on the athletes health, but Raiders quarterback, Derek Carr, believes it’s only an excuse if you make it one. The Raiders plan to continue their perfect 5-0 record in hostile environments and won’t excuse poor play for any reason.
