“State Builds, Private Profits”: Nayarit Faces Backlash Over Coloso del Pacífico Stadium Deal

By Isrrael Torres | September 17, 2025

 A storm of controversy is shaking Nayarit politics after lawmakers approved a five-year comodato (loan-for-use) agreement that hands over management of the brand-new Coloso del Pacífico Baseball Stadium—built entirely with public funds worth more than 600 million pesos—to a private company.

After a heated debate and loud public protests, the Nayarit State Congress voted on Monday, September 15, to authorize Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero to grant the stadium’s administration to Desarrollos Inmobiliarios Jaguares de Nayarit S.A. de C.V. The company, which owns the professional team Jaguares de Nayarit, will maintain and profit from the facility for the next five years, with an option to renew. The decree took effect immediately, clearing the way for the team to host its home opener on October 15 against the Venados de Mazatlán in the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico.

Government’s Rationale

Governor Navarro defended the move as a way to “strengthen the social fabric” by giving families in Tepic and across the state a first-class sports venue while boosting economic and tourism development. The administration argues that the state cannot afford the costly upkeep of the stadium without sacrificing funding for other essential services.

Opposition Cries Foul

Critics, however, are calling the deal one of the biggest giveaways of public property in Nayarit’s history. “With the nearly 700 million pesos invested, we could have built at least four hospitals,” said Diego Cristóbal Calderón Estrada, a deputy from the opposition movement Levántate por Nayarit.

Legislators from the PRI and other minority parties argue the agreement violates Nayarit’s Law of State Assets, which allows comodato only when it provides a clear public benefit. “This contract benefits a private corporation without guaranteeing any social return,” warned Francis Paola Vargas Arcienega, a PRI deputy and attorney.

According to Vargas, the deal contains no written obligations requiring the company to create youth programs, offer free entry for children, provide scholarships, or host community events. “The state builds, and the private sector profits,” she said, noting the lack of transparency around how—if at all—the state will share in future revenues.

Broader Concerns

Opponents also pointed to recent federal scandals in which funds for baseball stadiums in Guasave and Cancún were allegedly misused, warning that Nayarit could face similar risks. While other Mexican cities like Monterrey and Puebla have successfully partnered with private operators through carefully structured concessions, critics argue that Nayarit’s agreement lacks safeguards to protect public interests.

Despite protests outside the statehouse, the measure passed with 27 votes in favor—all from the ruling Morena party and its allies—and 7 votes against. There were no abstentions.

As opening day for the Jaguares approaches, the debate continues to grow. For many Nayaritas, the question lingers: Is this a bold step toward economic development—or a costly handover of public wealth to private hands?