Photograph By RONNIE LARRALDE
Texas Border Business
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
Local leaders are making final preparations for the 49th Annual Fiesta Edinburg, presented by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, which will also serve to showcase H-E-B Park, which is the latest in a growing number of impressive entertainment venues in the city, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has announced.
H-E-B Park is a $16.8+ million sports and entertainment outdoor complex that features a 9,700 seat capacity soccer-specific stadium, a park with a playground, an amphitheater with a capacity of 2,000 individuals, and lighted parking.
On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, Fiesta Edinburg officials announced the four-day event – set for Thursday, February 23, 2017 through Sunday, February 26, 2017 – would be moving to a new location, the H-E-B Park, located at 1616 S. Raul Longoria Rd. in Edinburg.
In previous years, the popular fiesta was held at the Edinburg Municipal Park.
“We are excited about the new venue and we know our festival fans are going to love it as well,” said Letty González, President of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. “The facilities are state-of-the-art and this is going to create a statement environment like no other. The amphitheater is going to be electric.”
An amphitheater is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and, depending on its size, even sports.
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation is one of the major sponsors for Fiesta Edinburg 2017.
The Edinburg EDC, whose Executive Director is Agustín García, Jr., is the jobs-creation arm of the Edinburg Mayor and Edinburg City Council.
The Edinburg EDC Board of Directors is comprised of Mayor Richard García as President, Harvey Rodríguez, Jr. as Vice President, Elías Longoria, Jr., as Secretary/Treasurer, and Richard Ruppert and Dr. Peter Dabrowski as Members.
Jennifer Cabrera, Marketing Specialist for the Edinburg EDC, noted some of the many positive benefits of H-E-B Park for the city and the region.
“For example, on January 26 and 27, 2017, H-E-B Park held job interviews for more than 200 part-time jobs that need to be filled at this fabulous facility, such as in guest services, box office personnel, retail, event security, and food and concessions,” Cabrera said. “For many people, a part-time job allows them to help make a living while allowing them the time needed for their families or education.”
She added the economic benefits to Edinburg will continue for many years, as thousands of visitors from outside of the community will come to enjoy professional soccer, outdoor concerts, carnivals, and other events at H-E-B Park.
In the summer of 2016, when the naming rights for H-E-B Park were announced, Bert García, a representative of the private investment firm which owns the facility, said one of the main goals was also “to make H-E-B Park home of affordable family entertainment.”
Mayor Richard García, Agustín García, Jr. and Bert García are not related.
The new stadium, which is wrapping up construction, also will feature a full-service restaurant and concessions, practice fields, executive lounges, a sports bar, 33 suites and a total capacity of 16,000. Suites include VIP amenities and a 16-seat capacity.
Besides Rio Grande Valley Toros FC soccer matches, the new facility is expected to host Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash soccer preseason matches, concerts and other community events.
“H-E-B Park in Edinburg is a premier facility and we’re thrilled to have naming rights for the stadium,” said Linda Tovar, H-E-B Senior Manager of Public Affairs. “H-E-B is proud to celebrate the growing options for families both in our stores and out in the community. We are committed to the Rio Grande Valley, and this branding opportunity demonstrates the excitement and energy we share for the bright future of the Valley.”
H-E-B, an American business success story which is headquartered in San Antonio, has three major grocery stores in Edinburg, and 149 stores in other Texas cities.
Regarding the upcoming Fiesta Edinburg events, on Friday, February 24, 2017, Josh Turner will perform at the new amphitheater inside the grounds of H-E-B Park.
Also performing on the same stage will be special guests Lauren Corzine, who begins her performance at 6 p.m., Eddie Sáenz at 7:15, and The Powell Brothers at 8:30 p.m., with Josh Turner being the main attraction in the evening, with his performance scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.
According to his website, Turner is “a family man, a philanthropist, a devoted Christian, and a passionate sports fan, you might say Josh Turner’s commitments run as deep as his voice. Of course, he’s also a double-platinum-selling singer, songwriter and disciple of traditional country music, a mentor to up-and-coming artists —and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry.” (https://joshturner.com/josh)
The performance line-up for Saturday, February 25, 2017, will soon be finalized, the announced.
Individual tickets for the concert headlined by Josh Turner are available for purchase at a cost of $35 for general admission, and $55 for premium seating. Those prices include admission to the festival and concert for that day only. There are separate fees for the carnival rides by the Heart of America Carnival.
Attendees are also allowed to bring their own folding chairs to the park, but not food or beverages, but there will be numerous vendors at the park selling food and refreshments. Restrooms will be available to the public during the event.
Fiesta Edinburg is the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce’s largest celebration.
Besides being a fun, quality of life event for the city of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley, Fiesta Edinburg also symbolizes an important moment in Edinburg’s history. Fiesta Edinburg is known as a big party that was created to commemorate Edinburg becoming the county seat for Hidalgo County.
Major attractions such as the Heart of America Carnival, regional food, arts/crafts plus top notch entertainment are a large draw to the community festival.
“We would like to thank our presenting sponsors Bert Ogden and Fiesta Dealerships, Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, City of Edinburg and the RGV Toros,” said Ronnie Larralde, Director of Marketing and Special Events for the Edinburg Chamber. “Without their continued support, none of this is possible.”
Individuals may purchase tickets at www.hebparkrgv.com.
For more information please contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce 956/383-4974.
