Mexican Baseball Fiesta Swings Back into Tucson This Thursday

The 13th annual Mexican Baseball Fiesta is set to kick off at the Kino Sports Complex on October 3, promising an array of double-header games alongside the University of Arizona Wildcats and various live entertainment acts.

This year, the fiesta integrates with the Liga Arco Mexicana del Pacifico’s spring training LAMP Tour, showcasing six professional teams from the Mexican Pacific League. Participating teams include Naranjeros de Hermosillo, Yaquis de Obregon, Aguilas de Mexicali, Mayos de Navojoa, as well as the Algodoneros de Guasave and Charros de Jalisco, who will make their Tucson debut. The Wildcats baseball team will also be taking to the field.

The Mexican Pacific League, founded in 1945, is a top-tier professional winter league in Mexico. Its champion earns the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Caribbean Series.

Francisco Gamez, the founder and partner of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta, expressed pride in the partnership with the Arco Mexican Pacific League. “We are thrilled to celebrate with Arizona fans the championship won by the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, which is their 17th title and comes during their participation in this fiesta,” he said.

Gamez brings a wealth of experience to the event, having played over a decade in the Mexican Pacific League and the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

The fiesta also offers food, live music, and entertainment, featuring the Sonoran band La Brissa following Sunday’s doubleheader.

Mike Feder, president of the fiesta, highlighted its significance, stating, “The Vamos A Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta has become a premier entertainment and baseball event in Tucson, characterized by the energy of the fans and the vibrant atmosphere.” He noted its stature as possibly the largest Hispanic sporting event in Tucson each year.

Doubleheaders will occur each day of the event. The Wildcats will play in the second game on October 5, marking their fifth appearance in the fiesta under head coach Chip Hale. “Playing in the Mexican Baseball Fiesta is an honor for Arizona baseball. It showcases the community’s passion for the sport,” said Hale.

This year’s fiesta will also occur in the Phoenix area from September 26 to 29 at American Family Fields of Phoenix and Camelback Ranch in Glendale. Additionally, Nogales will host matches at War Memorial Stadium, including Aguilas de Mexicali against Charros de Jalisco on October 2.

Ticket prices are set at $25 for box seats, $20 for general admission, and $10 for children aged 6-16, seniors over 55, and military personnel with ID. Tickets will be available online as well as at the Kino Stadium box office starting September 27.

For security, Kino Sports Complex will implement a clear bag policy. Approved items include diaper bags, one-gallon freezer bags, clutch purses measuring 4.5” x 5”, and clear tote bags up to 12”x 6”x 12”. All items will undergo inspection.

Here’s the schedule for the games:

Thursday, October 3

Obregon vs Jalisco at 5 p.m. followed by Hermosillo vs Arizona Wildcats.

Friday, October 4

Mexicali vs Guasave at 5 p.m. followed by Hermosillo vs Obregon.

Saturday, October 5

Mexicali vs Navojoa at 5 p.m. followed by Hermosillo vs Obregon. A home run derby will occur between the games.

Sunday, October 6

Mexicali vs Guasave at 2:30 p.m. followed by Navojoa vs Hermosillo, with La Brissa performing afterward.

The Kino Sports Complex is located at 2500 E. Ajo Way. For more details, visit the Mexican Baseball Fiesta website.