​The Latino community plays a central role in Utah’s sports fan base, particularly in soccer, and officials connected with the state’s professional sports scene are organizing two events aimed at that community. “The Latino community has been pivotal in expanding soccer here. They are often the most passionate fans, players, coaches, and supporters we have, and we are incredibly grateful to count them as part of what we call our swarm,” said Kiki Solano, the marketing director for Utah Royals FC, the women’s professional soccer team.
To honor the community, Solano and other team representatives gathered Monday to announce that the Utah Royals will host Celebrando Nuestro Futuro — Celebrating Our Future in English — in conjunction with their Aug. 2 game at America First Field in Sandy against the Portland Thorns. The event will include music, traditional dance, and other activities designed for the Latino community, with the halftime spotlight on the winning teams from this month’s youth soccer tournament, Copa Tonahuac.
In parallel, Miller Sports and Entertainment will present the third annual Béisbol en Salt Lake, a two-day exhibition baseball series featuring teams from Mexico’s Pacific League. This year’s games are scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27 at the Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, the home venue of the Salt Lake Bees. The featured clubs will be Las Águilas de Mexicali and Los Jaguares de Nayarit.
Dustin Dehlin, Miller Sports’ vice president of business development, said the Latino community’s enthusiasm extends to both soccer and baseball. Miller Sports owns the Utah Royals, the Salt Lake Bees, and Real Salt Lake, the men’s professional soccer team. “We’re deeply grateful for the fandom and the excitement they bring to the games,” Dehlin noted, adding that the community’s contributions to the state are extensive. “There are so many people doing wonderful things in the community, and we want to celebrate them in ways that are meaningful and respectful of all they do to support our community.”
Advertisements note that, like the Aug. 2 Utah Royals event, Béisbol en Salt Lake will feature vendors, food, live music, folkloric dancing, and other elements that honor Latino culture. “It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together in a way that’s meaningful and impactful,” Dehlin said. “It lets people enjoy a sport they love in a setting that mirrors how they experience it in Mexico.” He participated in Monday’s Utah Royals announcement at America First Field and planned to participate in Tuesday’s formal unveiling of the Béisbol en Salt Lake plans. Salvador Lazalde of the Federation of United Mexicans was also present to support the initiative.