A mariachi band performs at halftime during Phoenix Rising FC’s game against San Antonio FC to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Sept. 21, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – Every time Phoenix Rising FC scored a goal, red smoke filled the sky, adding more color to an evening that was as festive as it was meaningful.
The goals came early and often – it was the first four-goal game this season for Phoenix, which had eight shots in the first 30 minutes – as the organization celebrated its annual Hispanic Heritage Night with a 4-0 victory against San Antonio FC Saturday at Phoenix Rising Stadium. The victory, which helped the defending USL champions keep their postseason hopes alive, also highlighted the importance of bringing in the culture within the community and the love of the sport.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the diverse heritage of American citizens whose ancestors originate from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The celebration has grown since its origins as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, expanding into a full month under President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
The vibrant music, traditional dances and delicious food added a sense of belonging to the event, making it a night to remember both on and off the field.
A group performs the style of dance known as Folklórico, a cultural type of dancing that originated in Mexico. The performance is part of Hispanic Heritage Night at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Sept. 21, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
“I think it’s really important and is a special representative of the community and brings people together,” said Martin Herrera, a Rising fan who attended Hispanic Heritage Night. “Rising has a huge Hispanic following, and I think it’s really important to host nights like this not just for Hispanics, but for everyone, for inclusivity and to bring awareness to the community.”
Rising interim coach Diego Gomez, whose team has a 9-9-9 record with seven games remaining in the regular season, said his players revel in the excitement that the Hispanic community brings to the field.
“It’s a special night. We know there’s a lot of Phoenix fans that have that heritage, and that we feel that support, and we know the connection the team has with that community, especially in this group we have,” Gomez said. “We have multiple players that have that heritage — players from Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, myself from Spain, Mexico, so we have a lot of people in this Latino and Spanish speaking community and to have on Hispanic Heritage an important game also, it’s special for us and we’re going to try to show it on the field.”
Rising has embraced the culture of Hispanic Heritage Night, hosting the event every year. Saturday’s game captured a sense of emotion for the fans, offering mariachi bands throughout the night, with baile folklórico on full display throughout the entire venue. The atmosphere was filled with captivation as the fans danced away the night.
The 4-0 victory helped Rising in their fight to secure a playoff spot, as they sit five points clear of the ninth spot of the table. With a big smile, Rising forward Dariusz Formella said he was happy to see a great crowd on Hispanic Heritage Night.
Fans reach out in hopes of receiving a T-shirt during a stoppage in play during the Phoenix Rising vs. San Antonio FC match at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Sept. 21, 2024. (Photo by Brendon Pricco/Cronkite News)
“We want to win 4-0 every night, just not only on Hispanic Heritage Night,” Formella said. “It’s very nice. I’m very happy that a lot of people came today and they saw a good game.”
The team’s connection with its passionate fanbase, including supporters group Banditos, has always been a pillar of Phoenix Rising’s success. Defender Lawrence Wyke talked about this bond, acknowledging the critical role fans play in the team’s identity.
“We love the fanbase of Banditos and everyone that plays in our locker room,” Wyke said. “It’s massive for us because we’re not Phoenix Rising without the fans. We always want to give the fans a good show.”
Hispanic Heritage Night is not just an event, it’s a memory for those who live with the culture and embrace it as a lifestyle. It’s always important to understand that sports have the power to bring people together from different backgrounds. As Phoenix Rising continues to push to remain in playoff contention, Hispanic Heritage Night will always be a memorable night for the club.
“That culture is with me,” Hererra said. “I’m trying to teach my kids, the culture and everything like that. Not just that, but the food, the people, the language. So it’s really important. That was special to me.”
