Columbus Crew Interim General Manager Mark McCullers announced Wednesday that Crew Stadium will host a "Mexican Independence Day" Festival on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
In honor of Hispanic heritage and culture, The Crew will be offering a special promotion for those who attend "Mexican Independence Day." For just $12 (Adult) and $6 (Youth), you receive a ticket to the "Mexican Independence Day" Festival on September 15 and a ticket to The Crew game on Saturday, September 18. Tickets are available at the Crew Stadium box office.</p>
The Crew take on the MetroStars on September 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Budweiser Hispanic Heritage Night. Prior to The Crew match will be the final of the Dominion Homes Copa Victoria tournament at 4:30 p.m.</p>
The event coordinators are planning to offer a wide variety of musical entertainment, and activities throughout the night on Crew Kicker Plaza, including Mexican President Vincente Fox marking the moment at midnight on the Crew Stadium video board. Community vendors will help provide the authentic food and atmosphere that is expected at this colorful festival with flags, noisemakers, and other party favors. </p>
Independence Day is an extremely important historical moment for the country of Mexico. For those who have relocated from other parts of the world, this event provides an opportunity for fellowship and solidarity for Mexicans everywhere. Crew organizers have partnered with local businessman and media entrepreneur Alex Flores of La Voz Hispana to manage the programming elements. Over the past six years Flores has promoted and organized this event in central Ohio. </p>
"This event would not be possible without Alex," said McCullers. "His visibility and strong relationships will help us connect with a large segment of the Columbus Hispanic community, through an event that is very meaningful to Mexicans." </p>
The Central figure in the celebration, who forever revolutionized the course of Mexican History, is Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. Over the years as a catholic priest in the village of Dolores, Hidalgo had inspired many native Indians and mestizos. As a community leader, his passionate war-cry of "Mexicanos, Viva México!," sparked a revolution that would last 11 years and eventually lead to Mexico's independence from Spain. Every year at midnight, September 15, Mexicans led by the country's current president shout "El Grito" honoring the crucial, impulsive action that took place 194 years ago in 1810.</p>
For more information on this event, please contact Rob Estrella with The Crew at (614) 447-CREW (2739), or visit us on the web at www.thecrew.com or www.crewstadium.com .</p>
