State Farm Copa Aztex to be a 'spectacle'
July 2, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas is accustomed to rivalries. Texas A&M and Oklahoma come to mind. But the Forty Acres, and the community that surrounds it, is in store for something entirely unique on Saturday, July 18. UT Athletics has teamed with the Austin Aztex professional soccer club to present State Farm Copa Aztex at Mike A. Myers Stadium. This year's match, the first in a three-year engagement, pits Mexico City's Cruz Azul against Tigres of Monterrey. Cruz Azul is one of the Big Four of Mexican soccer, along with Chivas, America and current champions Pumas UNAM. Steeped in tradition, Cruz Azul built its dynasty in the 1970s, and has won eight championships. Meanwhile, Tigres has only one championship but boasts one of the most loyal fan bases in the league. Tigres' stadium is known as "El Volcán." "This is very special because the Hispanic community in and around Austin does not have access to a spectacle like this," said Dr. Rubén Pizarro-Silva, a noted sports broadcaster with Univision. "This is like Red Sox-Yankees, or Cowboys-Redskins. "It's a big, big-time rivalry." And when the match kicks off at 7 p.m., it will simply cap off a day of fun-filled events at Myers Stadium. State Farm, H-E-B, Bud Light and Univision will present the "Univision Radio presenta El Golazo Musical," which will feature food, giveaways, a beer garden and live music. Not just any live music, either. Renowned music personality Eddie "Piolín" Sotelo -- host of "Piolín por La Manana" -- will be featured on stage with musical act, Espinoza Paz. Piolín's Spanish-language radio show is nationally-syndicated and featured on 50 stations across the country. Gates open at 4 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at TexasBoxOffice.com or by calling 800-982-BEVO (2386). Fans should keep in mind that no bags or backpacks will be allowed into Myers Stadium and once they enter the stadium, they will not be given readmission if they chose to leave.
"It's going to be a great experience, and the environment will be so much fun," Texas Soccer coach Chris Petrucelli said. "And the soccer will be at another level. People will get to see passion in sport like they've never seen before." |
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