Vamos a Tucson 2012

The City of Tucson is pleased to welcome back the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta being held at Kino Stadium from October 4 through October 7. The tournament this year has expanded to six teams - four teams from Mexico, as well as the San Diego Padres Future Stars and the Los Angeles Dodgers Future Stars. "I want to welcome and thank the four teams from the Mexican Pacific League, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres farm teams for their participation in the 2012 Vamos a Tucson Baseball Fiesta," said Council Member Richard Fimbres. "Their contributions, as well as those of their fans to our community and economy will greatly benefit the Tucson region in many ways.” The Tucson Padres, The Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (MTCVB), The Sonoran Sports Commission and Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment collaborated to bring the Fiesta back to Tucson. The Fiesta’s economic impact to Tucson has already been noted as two teams have already begun practicing in Tucson. In all, 1,800 hotel room nights from players, 11,000 total meals consumed and 1,000 hotel room nights from fans will take place in Tucson, Fimbres said. "An event of this caliber has the potential to bring thousands of visitors to our community," said Felipe Garcia, MTCVB Vice President of Community Affairs and Mexico Marketing. "Winter baseball is huge in Latin America, and through this tournament, Tucson will continue to be a part of it." Added Fimbres: “Baseball is just one aspect of the activities, October 4 through 7. It is anticipated that many dignitaries from both the private and public sectors, from both sides of our border will be present for Vamos a Tucson, which will provide great opportunities to build and strengthen our relationships between our communities."" Tickets are now available by visiting the Kino Stadium Box office, calling (520) 434-1367 or by logging onto www.tucsonpadres.com. "We are excited to host the second Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta," said Mike Feder, Tucson Padres Vice President and General Manager. "We learned last year what a great level of play this is. We expect this year's event to be bigger and better." The tournament has expanded this year to include teams from the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. The two returning teams are the Naranjeros de Hermosillo and Yaquis de Ciudad Obregon. New this year are the Venados de Mazatlan and Tomateros de Culiacan. Last year, the three-day baseball fiesta drew more than 12,000 fans from both sides of the border. The participating players and coaches are eager to interact with Tucson community organizations and community events, Garcia said. For more information on scheduling players and coaches to attend an event, contact Tucson Padres Director of Hispanic Marketing Francisco Gamez at 258-3217.