Katy Perry has been forced to cancel two shows in Mexico due to the venue not being finished in time.

The US superstar’s The Lifetimes Tour is due to launch tomorrow (23 April) in Mexico City with the first of three concerts at Arena CDMX, followed by two shows at Arena Monterrey from 28-29 April.

However, a planned two-night stint at the 20,000-cap Arena Guadalajara has now been nixed.

“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,” said Perry in an Instagram story. “It was evident when they arrived that the venue was not ready or safe to receive my show or an audience. I wish I could fix this but it is beyond my control.”

Touted as the city’s first modern arena, Arena Guadalajara is set to become Mexico’s second-largest arena and will host sports, live music, cultural and social events. Gigs by Carlos Rivera and Intocable, scheduled for the venue later this week, have also been called off.

“Although we have made our greatest effort together with our contractors and workers, we are not yet completely ready”

Promoter and venue owner Zignia Live stresses that the postponements were out of the artists’ control.

“We seek to offer you shows with the quality and safety that you deserve, and although we have made our greatest effort together with our contractors and workers, we are not yet completely ready to receive you,” reads a statement posted on social media.

Zignia Live’s venue portfolio also includes Arena Ciudad de México (cap. 22,300) and Arena Monterrey (17,599)

Perry’s tour will switch to the US and Canada next month before heading Down Under to Australia in June. It will return to North America in July/August and move on to South America in September, ahead of reaching Europe this October.

The run is currently set to wrap up in the UAE at the After-Race Concert at Etihad Park on 7 December as part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 weekend. Metallica were the latest headliner confirmed for the series today.

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A new 20,000-capacity arena is due to open in Guadalajara next year, becoming Mexico’s second-largest arena.

Touted as the city’s first modern arena, Arena Guadalajara will host sports, live music, cultural and social events.

After pandemic-related delays, the arena is scheduled to open in September 2024 on the intersection between major roads, Av. Periférico and Calzada Independencia.

Designed by KMD Architects, the arena’s facade is “designed and imagined for the City of Guadalajara, inspired by its colourful landscape and local materials, such as the Huentitán Golden Quarry and the Tequilero Blue Agave”.

Zignia Live’s venue portfolio also includes Arena Ciudad de México and Arena Monterrey

The company behind the arena is Avalanz Zignia Live, a tour promoter and venue operator that is one of two major players in the Mexican live music business, according to the Global Arena Guide 2023.

Zignia Live’s venue portfolio also includes Arena Ciudad de México (cap. 22,300) and Arena Monterrey (17,599) – the country’s two busiest areas, according to the Global Arenas Guide 2023.

The former venue – Zignia Live’s flagship – last year celebrated its 10th anniversary, while the latter turned 20 this year.

Guadalajara, in the western state of Jalisco, home of mariachi and ranchera music, is Mexico’s largest conurbation after Mexico City and Monterrey.

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