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.

Pima County’s seasonal swimming pools will open Memorial Day weekend – Saturday, May 26 – and be open through Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 3.

For admission fees, pool addresses and phone numbers, and other information, please visit http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/pools/index.htm.

Swimming Classes – Swim Lessons

The first of four sessions of swim lessons begins Monday, June 4.  Lessons cost $20 for a two-week session (8 classes).  Register at your local pool.  Classes are available for children as young as 6 months. For specific class offerings and times, please call your local pool.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Knights of Pythias Tucson Lodge #9, in partnership with the Picture Rocks Fire District, the first 50 area residents to register will get FREE swim lessons at the Picture Rocks pool (see flyer below).

Session I: June 4-June 14
Session II: June 18-June 28

Registration for Sessions I and II begins at 7:30 a.m. Friday, June 1 (Ajo pool swim lesson registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2) and continues during open hours.

You may register for both Session I and II at this time.  If your child progresses in one session to the next skill level, every effort will be made to accommodate him/her in the next level class in the next session.

Session III: July 9-July 19
Session IV: July 23-August 2

Registration for Sessions III and IV begins at 7:30 a.m. Friday, June 29, and continues during open hours. You may register for both Session III and IV at this time.

If three or more lessons are cancelled in any given session due to lightning or mechanical malfunction, lessons will continue past August 2.

Swim lessons at Kino and Northwest YMCA-Thad Terry pools are taught through the YMCA.  Please call 838-0938 at Kino or 229-9006 at Thad Terry for information on swim lessons and fees.

Swim Team

The Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department’s Novice Summer Swim Team Program provides a fun, exciting, and rewarding swimming experience for children ages 6 to 18 at all Pima County pools except the Thad Terry and Picture Rocks pools.

The fee is $20 for the entire summer (includes practices and meets).

Registration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at any pool offering the program and will continue during regular pool hours until June 21 (or until the team at a specific pool reaches capacity).

The first swim practice is May 29.  Swim meets are on Saturday mornings or nights during June and July. Swim meets will begin on June 2 and will continue until the Championship swim meet on July 14.

For additional information, please call (520) 877-6126 or (520) 877-6109 or visit http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/pools/swimteams.htm.

The Thad Terry swim team is offered through the YMCA. Please contact Thad Terry at 229-9006 for more information.

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.

The beating of hooves drum in your chest as you watch Quarter Horses and thoroughbreds race around the 5/8 mile track in pursuit of the win – and you cheer for your “lucky” horse to cross the finish line first.

RILLITO PARK RACE TRACK is the historical landmark of Quarter Horse racing.  It is located in the shadows of the beautiful Catalina Mountains in northwest Tucson. Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing begins January 28 and continues for eight weekends through March 25, skipping Super Bowl weekend of February 4 and 5.  Rillito Race Track offers pari-mutuel betting on eight or nine live races each Saturday and Sunday.

“We are very excited that the racing season has been extended to include the month of March.  The longer racing season will provide tourists with the opportunity to increase their length of stay in Pima County and enjoy other attractions in the region,” said Tom Moulton, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Pima County.

Horse racing always seems to conjure up images of the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown or the 1930s and 1940s when racing was in its heyday.  A trip to Rillito Park Race Track in Tucson proves that horse racing is still very much in its heyday and fast becoming a sport for the entire family to enjoy.  Originally opened in the 1940s, this track is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the home for the humble beginnings of American Quarter Horse Racing in the United States.

Clubhouse seating, with a full restaurant and bars, is available for $8 per person.  Window seating in the grandstand is $10. Tables for four, along the windows overlooking the track, may be purchased for $25.  General admission to the racetrack, including the grandstand area, is $5.  Tables for four, along the windows in the grandstand, may be purchased for $20.  Snack and beverage bars are available in this area – both upper level and lower level.  Children under 12 are admitted free to the clubhouse and grandstand.  Parking is free and valet parking is available.

Since 1988 Rillito Race Track has been racing during the cool months of January and February.  With the grandstand and clubhouse so close to the track, you can’t help but feel as though you are part of the action.  No matter where you are, you are never too far to hear them yell: “They’re Off!”

Rillito Race Track is one of the many family attractions located in Pima County.  To find out more about nearby attractions go to www.pimacountyattractions.com.

Admission Prices:
Clubhouse $8.  Grandstand $5.  Children under 12 Free.

Racing Hours:
Gates Open 11 a.m.  Post Time 1 p.m.  Racing 1-5:30 p.m.

For More Information:
Call 520-293-5011 or visit www.pimacountyattractions.com.

Location:
4502 N. First Ave., near the intersection of River Road and First Avenue

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.

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

Don’t miss your last chance to watch the Triple-A Tucson Padres play in Tucson this season.  Head to Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way, any night through Sunday, Aug. 28, to watch the Padres play the Reno Aces.

Games start at 7 p.m. except on Thursday, Aug. 25, when a doubleheader starts at 6 p.m.  Gates open one hour before game time.

All college students will be admitted to the doubleheader for $4.50 with a school ID.  Former University of Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson will be signing books and UA items all throughout the first game and throwing out the “first pitch” for Game One.

Friday, Aug. 26, is Teacher Appreciation Night.  All southern Arizona teachers will receive a complimentary family ticket.

The last post-game Fireworks Spectacular of the season will be Saturday, Aug. 27.  For Padres tickets, call (520) 434-1367, visit www.tucsonpadres.com or visit the stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or before each game. Parking is free.

A series of concerts, Pima Community College football games, and an international baseball tournament in September and October make Kino Sports Complex the place to be as the weather cools down.

Lil’ Jon and Rusko headline N9NE Fest – a concert for all ages – on Friday, Sept. 9, on Field 9.  They’re joined by The Eye, Silver Medallion, Protohype, DJ Abate and Soulman.  Gates open at 6:30 p.m.  Buses will run between the event and the intersection of East Sixth Street and North Euclid Avenue from 6:15 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. (passes must be purchased in advance).  Tickets, bus passes and more information are available at www.n9nefest.com.  Parking is free.

Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson bring the Xtreme Muzik Tour to Kino Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, with special guest Cowboy Troy.  Also appearing are Bradley Gaskin (Mr. Bartender), Greg Hanna, and Nathan Dean and The Damn Band.  The show starts at 4 p.m.; gates open at 3:30.  Tickets and more information are available at www.clickjab.com.

The 2011 KFMA Fall Ball is Sunday, Sept. 25, at Kino Stadium.  Stone Temple Pilots top a lineup that includes Staind, Chevelle, Five Finger Death Punch, Middle Class Rut, Redlight King, Falling in Reverse and Asking Alexandria.  Gates open at noon.  Parking is free.  For more information and tickets, go to kfma.com.  Tickets are also available at all Tucson-area Domino’s Pizza locations.

Pima Community College’s football Aztecs begin playing their home games at Kino Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 17.  The game against Snow College starts at 7 p.m.

Three Pacific League of Mexico teams and a team of top young players in the San Diego Padres minor league system will play doubleheaders on Oct. 7, 8 and 9 at Kino Stadium in the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta.  Games begin at 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 8 and at 1 p.m. on Oct. 9.  Tickets can be purchased in person at Kino Stadium, by calling (520) 434-1367 or online via www.tucsonpadres.com.

Save the date:  The Tucson Padres return to Kino Stadium on Thursday, April 5, 2012.

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 will go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. for the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta, to be held Oct. 7-  at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium (2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713) in Tucson. Tickets can be purchased in person at Kino Stadium, on the phone by calling (520) 434-1367 or online via www.tucsonpadres.com.

The Tucson Padres, the organizers of the tournament, will handle all ticket sales, sponsorships, concessions, merchandise and game operations. The ticket prices are as follows:

• Reserved Seats: $12
• General Admission: $8 for Adults / $7 for children 6-16, seniors age 55 and older, and military (with ID)
• Groups 20 or More: $10 for Reserved Seats and $6 for General Admission
• 3-Day Pass: $30 for Reserved Seat (same seat for all three days)

The tournament will consist of a doubleheader each day – Friday and Saturday begin at 4 p.m., Sunday will begin at 1 p.m.  There will be a three-hour time limit on the first game each day.  The featured game will be the Naranjeros vs. Yaquis in the late game on Saturday.  Each team will play a single game against the other three teams over the three days. There will also be additional announcements in the coming weeks about entertainment and mascots appearing at Kino Stadium.

“We have received an overwhelming response for the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta,” said Tucson Padres Vice President and General Manager Mike Feder.  “We plan on producing an atmosphere as similar to the Pacific League of Mexico’s regular season as possible as far as music, entertainment and food. The teams have been very accommodating.”

The Pacific League of Mexico (Liga Mexicana del Pacifico), also referred as the Winter League of Mexico was founded in 1945 under the name League of the Pacific Coast.  Currently this league plays from October to February, and the champion of the league plays in the renowned Caribbean Series.  The league hosts several prospects of Major League Baseball, Triple-A Baseball and several players from Mexico currently playing in the Major Leagues.

Participating teams

Naranjeros de Hermosillo – This team based in the Capital of Sonora,has a great following and strong attendance. Former Hermosillo players include Curt Schilling, Larry Walker, Fernando Valenzuela, Erubiel Durazo and Vinny Castilla.

Yaquis de Ciudad Obregon – The team from Obregon is the current champion of the Pacific League of Mexico and also the Caribbean Series.  Games between the Naranjeros and Yaquis are considered some of the best games in the league, due to the long rivalry between both teams.  Former Obregon players include Joakim Soria, Ed Vosberg and current Tucson Padres infielder Everth Cabrera.

Aguilas de Mexicali – The Aguilas play in the Capital of Baja California.  The team has a history of playing against Tucson teams, when in the ‘50s it played against the Tucson Cowboys in the Arizona-Mexico League.  Former Mexicali players include Mike Piazza, John Kruk and Rudy Seanez.

San Diego Padres Minor League Prospects – This team will be made up of the top young players in the San Diego Padres minor league system.

A Facebook Group page has been created by the Tucson Padres at Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta to provide additional information and to answer all questions.  In less than one day, 108 members have been added.  All new members will be accepted.

For more information, contact Tim Hagerty at (520) 434-1338 or tim@tucsonpadres.com.  For all media inquiries in Spanish, please contact Jessica Stephens with the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau at (520) 770-2143 or jstephens@visittucson.org.

Pima County, Ariz. (July 25, 2011) – The co-founder of a New York-based chain of cycling workout studios named Tucson as one of her favorite cities for cycling, according to a recent article in USA Today.

Tucson was named along with San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, Boulder and several other cities as one of 10 bike-friendly cities that offer cyclists a chance to sight see and enjoy the landscape.

Pima County publishes a bicycle map that shows all the bike routes in Pima County. Matthew Zoll is the county’s bicycle and pedestrian program manager.  He supervises the production of the map, which is updated each year and distributed free.

The USA Today story touts a 15-mile route along the Rillito River that it says offers “sweeping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.”

The article, in the Travel Section of the national newspaper, says:

“Miles of bike lanes crisscross the old Spanish city. Routes can take you through mountain foothills and cactus-studded Saguaro National Park.”

Here’s the link to the USA Today story:

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/10great/story/2011/07/10-great-places-for-city-cycling/49584724/1?csp=tf

Zoll can be reached at: matt.zoll@dot.pima.gov.