Thorny issues such as the potential traffic congestion and the still unfinished athletics stadium aside, Pan American Games fever took root in Guadalajara this week as some 300 members of the Mexican delegation became the first occupants of the Villa Panamericana (athletes village).

The athletes cheered as the Mexican flag was hoisted over the “mini town” that will house some 6,000 athletes from 42 nations during the October 14-30 international sporting event.

As the sun begins to set on Friday, October 14, the athletes will make the one-kilometer ride across to the nearby Omnilife Stadium for what organizers are promising will be a “spectacular” opening ceremony.

Performing will be famed local rock band Mana, singers Lila Downs, Eugenia Leon and Juanes, as well as the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.  Alejandro Fernandez will sing the official games song, “El mismo sol,” and dad Vicente will interpret the Mexican national anthem. What comprises the rest of the ceremony – apart from the traditional parade of athletes – is a well-kept secret.

While nearly all the venues are ready for competition to start, round-the-clock work continues on the unfinished athletics and rugby stadiums.  Organizing Committee (Copag) officials have consistently played down the seriousness of the delays, stressing that both stadiums will be ready by the start of the event.  Copag Director Carlos Andrade reacted sharply to reporters this week when they pointed out that the Olympic Stadium in London was finished 10 months ahead of the event, while the running track was still being laid in Guadalajara just 10 days before the start of the Pan American Games. “All committees of games have their problems. Let’s see how well prepared London is next year,” he retorted.

The possibility of traffic gridlock caused by the games, as well as the overbearing presence of federal police officers in the metropolitan area, has provoked strong reactions from citizens and some politicians.  Even Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez noted that Guadalajara “isn’t accustomed” to these kinds of police lockdowns.

Meanwhile, the debate over the feasibility of the exclusive lanes for athletes and games personnel looks like it is going down to the wire, with plans changing on a daily basis. Tlaquepaque Mayor Miguel Castrio suggested this week that instead of “screwing around” with the public, all  government officials should refrain from using their vehicles during the games.

Felipe Muñoz, president of the Mexican Olympic Committee, admitted that some aspects of the games will be an inconvenience for Guadalajara residents but stressed that the legacy of the event is more important. “The games are only for 16 days but the sports installations will last for many years, as will the memories. There are many more positives than negatives,” he said. “It’s like having a party in your home. It will leave it a little dirty but you’ll be very satisfied.”

Hotels in the city are also readying for a massive influx.  According to the Guadalajara Hotel and Motel Association, occupancy is creeping up as the game approach – and tariffs as well.

The average hotel rate in the city has risen 25 percent this month, up from 1,360 pesos to 1,700 pesos, the association says.

All the city’s five-star and Gran Turismo hotels are fully booked, mostly by officials from the nations taking part in the games.  In addition, the large number of federal police brought in to provide security for games is swelling the hotel occupancy figures.

An investigation carried out by Spanish-language daily Mural suggests scalpers will be busy during the games.  Andrade stressed this week that Copag can’t be blamed for the scalpers since tickets sales have been limited to eight per person.  However, one scalper interviewed by Mural said multiple purchases of in-demand tickets had been made by people working for scalpers and that black market tickets were available for all the finals, including the opening ceremony, swimming, tennis and gymnastics.