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

For more information, go to:

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

“FC Tucson is proud to announce that the FC Tucson Desert Cup, a tournament featuring four Major League Soccer teams, will take place  at the Kino Sports Complex in February and March 2012,” FC Tucson Managing Partner Greg  Foster said.  ”The FC Tucson Desert Cup will be an important event  in Major League Soccer’s growing Spring Training platform.  Our community will help MLS grow in popularity and expand its national and international appeal.  With our weather, world-class resorts, shopping and entertainment, and now a dedicated training and match facility, MLS teams will want to be in Tucson to finalize their preparations for their regular season.”

This unique model of pre-season training and competition will serve the team’s needs to finalize rosters and elevate fitness as well as offer a marketing and media platform for Major League Soccer to invigorate its worldwide audience heading into the regular season.  The event will feature four double-header matches during a two week span from February 22 through March 3.  The round-robin tournament will crown a champion on the final evening through a point accumulation system.

Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and four baseball fields will, temporarily, be converted to first­class soccer fields to accommodate the matches and training requirements of the teams.  Those fields will be converted back to baseball diamonds at the conclusion of the event.

The tournament is expected to draw fans from across the nation and throughout Mexico.  Tucson has tremendous business interest in tourism from nearby Nogales, Mexico, and surrounding cities. Felipe Garcia of the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureaus said: “We are taking advantage of a great opportunity because of our proximity to Mexico.  Pima County enjoys over $960 million in Mexican tourism dollars as a part of the 22 million people that visit Arizona annually.  Everyone knows that soccer (futbol) is extremely popular in United States and the most important sport in Mexico.  We are excited that this event will continue to put Tucson at the forefront of such an important part of our economy and bridge our multi-cultural community.”

Big ideas and initiatives like this require teamwork and shared vision from public and private sectors.  “The Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority has been pleased to assist FC Tucson in coordinating this project,” said Tom Tracy, chairman of the Pima County Sports and Tourism Authority.  “There is no question that this opportunity holds great potential for the community.  We are gratified by everyone’s willingness to work together and allow Major League Soccer, international baseball, collegiate baseball and potentially, Major League Baseball events to all take place at the Kino Complex this winter.”

Paul Cunningham, Tucson City Council member said, “Major League Soccer is an idea that the County and City can both agree upon.  I am excited to see our jurisdictions working together towards a common regional goal.  The City of Tucson would like to extend an open invitation to soccer fans around the nation and into Mexico to plan a vacation here, take in this fantastic event, enjoy our hospitality, weather, hotels and shopping!”

The business community of Southern Arizona is also actively engaged in the opportunities that surround this event.  Lea Marquez Peterson, president of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner for the second year with FC Tucson on the upcoming FC Tucson Desert Cup.  Soccer or futbol is an important sport to the Latino community in Arizona and our Sonoran friends in Mexico.  We look forward to engaging our local business community in promoting and supporting Tucson’s pro-soccer experience.”

There are many benefits to be gained from professional sports but a fundamental strength is the chance to build pride, celebration and community spirit.  Pima County Supervisor Richard Elías said, “The opportunity to be involved in bringing professional soccer to Southern Arizona is an important one for our region’s economy.  The County, without a doubt, will benefit from the visitors the Desert Cup will attract and our community will be able to enjoy a signature professional sports event.”

Ramón Valadez, chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, said, “Personally, I am excited by this opportunity.  I attended the games last March and was amazed by the tremendous community support and enthusiasm for Major League Soccer.  I know this is a win­win situation for everyone concerned.”

The 2012 FC Tucson Desert Cup tournament will be eight games on four nights spanning a two week period and involve four MLS teams.  Teams will be awarded points through performance: 3 points for a win, I point for a tie, 0 points for a loss.

Schedule of Matches:

Match Night 1 – Wednesday, February 22, 2012

MLS Team A vs. MLS Team B

MLS Team C vs. MLS Team D

Match Night 2 — Saturday, February 25, 2012

MLS Team B vs. MLS Team C

MLS Team A vs. MLS Team D

Match Night 3 — Wednesday, February 29, 2012

MLS Team A vs. MLS Team C

MLS Team B vs. MLS Team D

Match Night 4 — Saturday, March 3, 2012

3rd place vs 4^th place (TBD by point system)

1st place vs. 2nd place (TBD by point system)

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 Cup, a Major League Soccer pre-season tournament.  Our owners, coaches, players and staff will play to win in sport, business and community connection.  We recognize that our quality, commitment and passion for the game will guide our success and establish deep bonds with our stakeholders as we strive to be recognized and respected locally, nationally and internationally.

About Kino Sports Complex

The Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports 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, amateur collegiate and professional sports.  Facility tours are available through the Kino Sports Complex by calling David  Whatton at 520-434-1343.  To learn more, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.

The Naranjeros of Hermosillo, the Yaquis of Obregon and the Aguilas of Mexicali will play a Tucson team (yet to be named) at Kino Sports Complex on October 7, 8 and 9, two days before the league season opener.

PACIFIC LEAGUE OF MEXICO

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

NARANJEROS DE HERMOSILLO

This team, based in the capital of Sonora, has a great following and strong attendance. Some players who have played in this team include Curt Schilling, Bob Darwin, Larry Walker, Fernando Valenzuela and Vinicio 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 matches in the league, due to the long rivalry between both teams.

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 1950s it participated with the Tucson Cowboys in the Arizona-Mexico Baseball League.

KINO SPORTS COMPLEX

Kino Sports Complex is the largest professional sports venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, where the Tucson Padres play almost every other week through August 28; 12 baseball fields (five with lights); and lighted softball and soccer fields.  It is a natural fit for professional, youth, high school and collegiate sports. Plus, it makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events. To learn more, go to www.kinosportscomplex.com.