The US plays Honduras this Saturday night, October 10th, in a World Cup Qualifier at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano, in the city of San Pedro Sula. 

But what kind of place is San Pedro Sula, and what is the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano all about?  I took a look around the internets to find out more…

I skipped Geography class in high school so I have to look this stuff up.  Honduras is located south of Mexico and between El Salvador and Nicaragua.  The average direct flight time from LAX is about four and half hours. 

San Pedro Sula is in the northwest corner of the country, and is the second largest city in Honduras.

Welcome to the Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport, or El Aeropuerto de San Pedro Sula.  Snacks and donuts available.

Downtown San Pedro Sula is located in a valley, has a population of 1 million people, and is considered the industrial capital of the country.  “Many local people have a popular saying…. they say while Tegucigalpa thinks, San Pedro Sula works, and La Ceiba enjoys.”

In July, thousands marched in downtown San Pedro Sula in support of ousted Honduran President Zelaya, currently residing in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital (4 hours away by car).  The national state of emergency was lifted yesterday…

There is beauty in Honduras - Miss Honduras Universe 2009.

Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula is the largest stadium in the country and seats 42,000.  It was built in 1997 for the Central American Olympic Games by Jeronimo Sandoval. 

San Pedro Sula’s former mayor attempted to change the name of the stadium to Jose de la Paz Herrera Stadium - the only coach to have taken Honduras to a World Cup - but Club Deportivo Marathon heavily opposed this change and it was abandoned.  Club teams CD Marathon and Real Espana both call this stadium home. 

Throughout the lanes surrounding the stadium, venders sell national team jerseys and t-shirts in the days leading up to matches.

Plenty of food available in the shadow of the stadium.  Grilled meat is a native specialty.

When the sun goes down, the fans show up. 

Life. Passion. Football.

Here is the view out of the tunnel onto the pitch.

Here’s the bench area. It should keep things pretty well shielded from batteries, urine bags, etc, although I would watch my arms.

Tim Howard’s perspective.

The perspective from the left corner.

Here’s what it will look like around gametime. 

Honduras is 8-0-0 at home in this world cup cycle.

Images via Stadiumvibe, Stadiumvibe,FutbolMexico, Sebasviba, Sebasviba, SBSoccer017, Roatanres, Boston, Buydvdezy