The Mayor-Elect of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, was the guest of honor Saturday at Chivas USA's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at The Home Depot Center, where he helped to unveil a replica of one of Guadalajara's most important monuments, a statute of the Roman Goddess Minerva, which marks the latest addition to 'ChivaTown'. Villaraigosa also gave the match's ceremonial first kick.
During the unveiling, Villaraigosa -- who declared himself Chivas USA's newest fan -- was accompanied by City of Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Chivas USA President and Co-Owner Antonio Cué.
The Minerva statue -- a replica of the gigantic sculpture that stands at the intersections of Avenida López Mateos and Avenida Vallarta in the hub of Guadalajara -- is the latest addition to 'ChivaTown', the Guadalajara-themed fan zone that brings the sights, sounds and flavors of Mexico to each and every one of Chivas USA's home games. The Minerva statue has special meaning to Chivas fans, as it is the place of celebration for all of Chivas Guadalajara's triumphs, including its record ten Mexican league championships.
The original in Guadalajara is inscribed, in Spanish, with the words "Justice, Wisdom and Strength Guard this Loyal City" and "To the Glory of Guadalajara". The replica in ChivaTown is inscribed, in Spanish, with the words "Celebrating the Friendship Between the Peoples of Mexico and the United States".
