NFL awaits post-quake review of Raiders-Patriots site in Mexico City

By Michael Gehlken Las Vegas Review-Journal

7 years ago

An overall view of a Mexican flag on the field and fireworks during the playing of the Mexico national anthem Nov. 21, 2016, before a NFL International Series game between the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

A general view of Estadio Azteca Stadium is seen during the singing of the national Anthem prior to an NFL football game between the Houston Texans against the Oakland Raiders on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Mexico City. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Marisa Hernandez and Daniel Coronado and family gather outside Estadio Azteca before the NFL Monday Night Football game between the Houston Texans and the Oakland Raiders in Mexico City, Nov. 21, 2016. (Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports)

Oakland Raiders fullback Jamize Olawale (49) scores on a 75-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter Nov. 21, 2016, against the Houston Texans during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws a pass under pressure from Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78) during a NFL International Series game Nov. 21, 2016, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) avoids a tackle by Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) to score the winning touchdown Nov. 21, 2016, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Oakland beat Houston 27-20. (Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and linebacker Khalil Mack (52) celebrate after a NFL International Series game Nov. 21, 2016, against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The Raiders defeated the Texans 27-20. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

A sporting event carries no relative significance in the fallout of a major natural disaster, such as the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that affected Mexico City on Monday and reportedly caused at least 100 deaths.

As locals surveyed the aftermath, one assessment pertained to the site of a Nov. 19 NFL game.

Engineers determined there to be no major structural damage to Estadio Azteca following a preliminary review, according to multiple reports. The venue is scheduled to host a Week 11 meeting between the Raiders and New England Patriots as part of the league’s International Series.

“The Raiders have the people of Mexico City and the surrounding areas in our thoughts and prayers following today’s earthquake,” the team said in a statement. “Mexico City is a special place for the Raider Nation, and the most heartfelt sentiments of the Raiders family go out to all of our Mexican neighbors in this time of need.”

Following the quake, video and photos circulated on social media of a crack in Estadio Azteca’s structure. These images sparked speculation the game could be forced to relocate. That crack, however, is one of four expansion joints engineered for the specific purpose of avoiding earthquake-related damage. Some buildings in the U.S. are known to share the feature.

The NFL declined formal comment.

Moving forward, the NFL will await the results of a thorough stadium review, which will be conducted before the site is cleared for reuse. ESPN’s Leon Lecanda, a reporter based in Mexico, said on Twitter that engineers informed Santiago Banos, president of Club America, that the stadium experienced only slight damage.

Club America was scheduled to play Cruz Azul on Monday. The soccer match was suspended.

Cruz Azul’s official website also reported there is no known significant damage to the 87,000-seat stadium. It added that a more extensive review will occur, allowing officials to determine and avoid potential risks related to the facility’s usage.

The Raiders are scheduled to play at Estadio Azteca for the second consecutive year. On Nov. 21, they defeated the Houston Texans there 27-20.

Barring a development, this year’s Mexico City game will count as one of the Raiders’ eight regular-season home games. It directly follows a bye week for the Raiders. New England will be coming off a Nov. 12 road game against the Denver Broncos.

Contact reporter Michael Gehlken at mgehlken@reviewjournal.com. Follow @GehlkenNFL on Twitter.