FC Tucson is beginning a special intrastate rivalry with National Premier Soccer League team Phoenix Monsoon.

Both clubs have agreed to a home and home series, currently labeled the “I-10 Clasico,” that begins Wednesday, May 23, at 7 p.m. at the Kino Sports Complex North Field #5. The game comes just four days after FC Tucson’s thrilling home-opening win over the Southern California Seahorses.

“We were very happy to finally get a chance to schedule the Monsoon and play a full, two-leg series,” said FC Tucson head coach Rick Schantz. “For us these games are a chance to give some of our starters a rest while giving our talented reserves the kind of high-intensity experience that a regular training session can’t provide.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some hometown heroes such as Jesus “Freshman” Ortiz, Kyle McQuown and Edgar Reyna get serious minutes in the first game. All three of them have been with the team since the open tryouts in January and the fact that they’re still here every week is a testament to their devotion and dedication to the team.

“Jesus was even on the team last season and is the only player who has been with FC Tucson from the very beginning back in 2010. So seeing him get a chance to start and representing Tucson in this ‘Tucson-Phoenix’ rivalry is great.”

The second leg of the series will be Wednesday, May 29, at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix. The two-leg series will be determined by the combined score of both games. If the teams are tied after both games, the series will be decided on penalty kicks.

FC Tucson is in third place in the Premier Development League Southwest division with a 2-1-0 record. The Monsoon are in sixth place in the NPSL West-Southern Conference with a 0-5-0 record.

About FC Tucson

FC Tucson, established in 2010, is committed to bringing the highest caliber of competitive soccer to Tucson and establishing a successful and long-lasting source of pride for city, county, state and country. FC Tucson owns FC Tucson Soccer, Tucson’s top-level soccer team and the FC Tucson Desert Diamond Cup, a Major League Soccer pre-season tournament. Check out the team’s website at www.fctucson.com. You can also visit the team’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FCTUCSON and follow all of the news related to FC Tucson on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FC_Tucson.

About Phoenix Monsoon

The Phoenix Monsoon is an American soccer team based in Phoneix. Founded in 2012, the team plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a national amateur league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division.

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 11 baseball fields (four with lights) and lighted softball and soccer fields.  With its panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a natural fit for youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, or to schedule an event, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 11 baseball fields (four with lights) and lighted softball and soccer fields.  With its panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a natural fit for youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, or to schedule an event, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.

Tickets still available for Friday’s White Sox vs. Dodgers game

Tickets purchased for Sunday’s game between the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres can be used for the rescheduled date on Thursday, March 22.  Seat locations will remain the same.

The game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium will begin at 1:05 p.m. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m.

Refunds are available.  Tickets may also be exchanged for Tucson Padres regular season vouchers.  For every $20 spent on Rockies vs. Padres tickets, fans can receive $30 worth of Tucson Padres box seat vouchers, good for any game except July 3.  Refunds or exchanges must be obtained before Thursday by emailing info@tucsonpadres.com, calling the stadium box office at (520) 434-1367 or visiting the box office in person between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at 2500 W. Ajo Way.

Tickets are still available for the Rockies vs. Padres game and for the Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game at Kino Stadium on Friday, March 23, with proceeds of that game benefiting the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation.  The game will start at 1:05 p.m.  Gates will open at 11:30 a.m.

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 12 baseball fields (five with lights) and lighted softball and soccer fields.  With its panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a natural fit for youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, or to schedule an event, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.

Tickets to KFMA Day — on Sunday, April 29, at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium — are $25 only on Saturday, March 10, at all Tucson-area Domino’s Pizza locations.

Tickets also go on sale online Saturday for $39.50.  The $25 tickets are NOT available online.

For more information, go to www.kfma.com.

Incubus tops a lineup that includes Cage the Elephant, Chevelle, The Dirty Heads, Awolnation, Neon Trees, Anberlin and Civil Twilight.

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 12 baseball fields (five with lights) and lighted softball and soccer fields.  With its panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a natural fit for youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, or to schedule an event, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.

The YMCA of Southern Arizona will assume the management of the Kino Community Center on Thursday, March 29.

The YMCA is committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  The new Mulcahy YMCA at Kino Community Center, 2805 E. Ajo Way, would like to assist current participants at the Kino Community Center through this transition.

The Kino Community Center will be CLOSED for two weeks, March 12-28, for building renovations that include expansion of the cardio and wellness center, installation of new strength weight equipment, resurfacing of floors, installation of larger lockers in locker rooms, and general cleaning and painting.

The YMCA invites Kino Community Center users to utilize any of the Tucson YMCA locations at no charge during this shutdown period.  Just present this notice with your ID for admittance.  Locations can be found at the YMCA website: www.tucsonymca.org.

The public is invited to a dedication ceremony on Thursday, March 29, from 4 to 5 p.m.  The Mulcahey YMCA at Kino Community Center will officially open with expanded hours to accommodate the community on Friday, March 30, at 5:30 a.m.

A Community Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, April 21.  Please contact your YMCA membership services staff at (520)294-1449 for more information on how you can join!

Major League spring training is returning to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, March 18, when the San Diego Padres host the Colorado Rockies at 1:05 p.m. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox are playing five days later on Friday, March 23, at 1:05 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m. for both games.

The Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority, Pima County, the Tucson Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have committed the proceeds from the second game to the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation.  Christina-Taylor’s passing on January 8, 2011, affected the Dodgers organization closely; her father, John Green, is a scout for the Dodgers.

Tickets

 Wednesday, February 15 – Tickets to both games go on sale online via www.tucsonpadres.com.

 Tuesday, March 6 - Tickets to both games go on sale by phone.  Call (520) 434-1367 or visit the Kino Stadium box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Kino Stadium’s address is 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713. 

Ticket Prices

 Field Box: $20 per seat                                               Bleacher: $10 per seat

Outfield: $15 per seat                                                 Lawn: $6 per seat

Terrace: $15 per seat                                                  Suites: $500 (Includes up to 20 people)

San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies: The Tucson Padres Major League affiliate, the San Diego Padres, will play their National League West rival Colorado Rockies at Kino Stadium on Sunday, March 18, at 1:05 p.m. “This is a great chance for our fans to get a preseason look at the young and talented San Diego Padres. We may even see some familiar faces from last year’s Tucson team,” said Mike Feder, Tucson Padres Vice President and General Manager.

The game also marks a return to Tucson for the Colorado Rockies, who held their Major League Spring Training in the Old Pueblo from 1993 to 2010. “The Rockies were great friends to Tucson for many years,” said Feder. “I know baseball fans here are thrilled to see the Rockies again.”

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago White Sox: The Chicago White Sox are hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, March 23, at 1:05 p.m. All proceeds from the game are being donated to the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation. “These games represent the essence of the mission of the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority.  They benefit the charities and youth of the community, utilize Kino Stadium for events and feature Major League Baseball,” said Tom Tracy, Chairman of the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority. “We are grateful to the teams for including Tucson in their Spring Training plans.”

The Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation was established by the Green family to receive gifts in memory of Christina-Taylor. The mission of the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation is to honor the life and memory of Christina-Taylor through charitable and educational projects that reflect and embody her interests, values and dreams.

Christina-Taylor was a proud 9-year-old student leader, ballet dancer and Little League Baseball player. The proceeds are supporting Tucson youth in her name. “On behalf of the Green Family, we would like to thank the Tucson Padres for providing the venue and their expertise. We would also like to thank the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox for playing Major League Baseball in Tucson once again,” said John Green, Christina-Taylor’s father. “Also, the beneficiary for the game, the CTG Memorial Foundation, will give back to the local community that gave so much to us. Christina-Taylor’s wishes and our mission statement are to help those less fortunate in the areas of education, the arts, sports and leadership programs to enrich our children’s lives.”

Tucson Padres Opening Night is Thursday, April 5.  Season tickets, weekend plans and voucher packages are now available by calling (520) 434-1367. For more information, you can visit www.tucsonpadres.com or the team’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Tucson-Padres.

Kino Sports Complex is kicking off the new year with Major League Soccer, college football, Korean baseball and the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase.

And that’s just January.

Pima County’s premier sports and entertainment venue at 2500 E. Ajo Way is gearing up for Major League Soccer spring training hosted by FC Tucson, starting Jan. 30, followed by the Desert Diamond Cup professional soccer tournament in February.

Groundskeepers have sodded infields and warning tracks to convert four baseball fields north of Ajo Way to soccer.  They’ve done the same with the field in Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium for:

• January 16 – Casino Del Sol All Star Football Game
• February 22, 25, 29, and March 3 – Desert Diamond Cup Professional Soccer Tournament

“A multipurpose venue opens tremendous opportunities,” said Chris Bartos, director of the Pima County Stadium District.  “It is not easy to transition fields from one sport to the next, especially with a limited window of time, but that’s our strength.  We have the operational expertise it takes to effectively manage back-to-back events and make sure everything looks perfect and there is a safe playing field come game day.”

Clubhouse interiors will be spruced up and painted for the teams, and new bleachers will be positioned on the field so fans can enjoy that close-to-the-action atmosphere during the sporting events.  “We encourage the community to come out and show the same support they did for the spring training baseball games,” Bartos said.

Also in January, two Korean baseball teams – the NC Dino’s and the Hanwha Eagles – have rented the south clubhouses and fields for training and conditioning of their athletes.

The Electric Park Gem Show and The Rock Show, formerly the RV Gem Show, welcome the public to the Kino Sports Complex parking lots from January 28 through February 12 for their part of the annual Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase.

The Tucson Invitational Games has registered over 20 college baseball teams from across the nation for its premier event that will run March 3-26. The Jack Howell Baseball Classic, a junior college event, is scheduled March 14-17.  Copa Budweiser, a tournament series presented by Major League Soccer and played across the country, will be here in mid-March.

Save these dates:

• The Tucson Padres will launch their second season at Kino Stadium with their season opener scheduled for Thursday, April 5.
• Fiesta de Garibaldi, a traditional re-creation of the sights and sounds of the Garibaldi Plaza in Mexico City, will feature live mariachi music and baile folklorico acts on Saturday, April 28.
• KFMA Day, an all-day concert that attracted more than 13,000 fans last year, will wrap up the month on Sunday, April 29.

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 12 baseball fields (five with lights) and lighted softball and soccer fields.  With its panoramic view of the Santa Catalina Mountains, it is a natural fit for youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, or to schedule an event, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com or call 520-546-KINO.

This is a special traffic alert for everyone attending the concert or baseball games scheduled at Kino Sports Complex this Saturday, October 8. The venue is hosting two major events on Saturday so plan to come early to avoid possible parking delays.  Gates open at 2:30 p.m. for all events and the parking is free.

Travel Routes

As you approach Kino Sports Complex, please watch for message boards indicating the preferred access lane for each event (baseball or concert).  Baseball traffic should use the main entrance at Ajo Way and Forgeus Avenue.  Concert goers please use the Country Club entrance at Milber Road.  Once cars have entered the complex, parking attendants will direct traffic to designated parking areas.  Baseball parking will be closest to the stadium while concert vehicles will be directed to park near the soccer fields.

The first baseball game (San Diego Padres Future Stars vs. Mexicali) gets under way at 4 p.m.  Game 2 starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp with Hermosillo vs. Obregón as the featured game of the night.  This three-day tournament is presented by Tucson Padres.  The KiiM FM Country Music Festival venue is the soccer fields.  The first artist is scheduled to perform at 3:30 p.m. and Dwight Yoakam takes the stage at 8 p.m for the final concert act of the evening.

Parking is free and the gates open at 2:30 p.m. for both events.  We encourage everyone to come early and follow the traffic signs to avoid delays approaching the ballpark.  Have a great time, enjoy the event and thank you for coming out to Kino Sports Complex.

Thanks to Ernesto Portillo Jr. and the Arizona Daily Star for sharing this story about the U.S.-Mexico cross-border baseball tradition here in Tucson in advance of the “Vamos a Tucson” Mexican Baseball Fiesta at Kino Stadium Oct. 7-9.

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/article_2dd6e29d-1a9b-5253-ad10-6e6c09db94da.html

For more information, go to:

http://www.kinosportscomplex.com/Calendar.html