Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta returning to Tucson in October
The Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta will hit Kino Stadium this fall for the third year in a row.
The Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Tomateros de Culiacan and Yaquis de Obregon from the Mexican Pacific League will play in the event. Players from the Los Angeles Dodgers' instructional league team will also participate.
"The Mexican Winter League is the major league baseball season in Mexico," Tucson Padres General Manager Mike Feder said in a phone interview. "People grew up with the Tomateros or the Yaquis and now they get a chance to see the team they used to follow in their own city. It's spectacular. It's so meaningful to all of them."
Last year, each game averaged just under 4,000 spectators, and about 14,000 fans attended the event throughout the week.
"We can see over the first two years that it's really built here," Feder said. "We think this year will be even better than it was last year."
The Mexican Pacific League features a brand of baseball far different from the one American fans are used to, Feder said.
Music will often be heard playing throughout the stadium. There will be a wide assortment of Mexican food available. Mascots are seen patrolling the stadium and interacting with fans both young and old, he said.
This video clip gives fans a preview of what to expect come October.
Given the success the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta has seen during its early years, baseball officials from Tucson and the Mexican Pacific League expect to hold the event on an annual basis.
"The Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta will be a tradition in Tucson for many years to come," Feder said in a Thursday press release.
The games will be held Oct. 3-6; a full schedule will be released at a later date, the release said.
