Tag Archives: el paso chihuahuas

Tuesday, officials with Major League Baseball (MLB) informed Minor League Baseball (MiLB) that it will not be providing its affiliated Minor League teams with players for the 2020 season; as a result, there will not be a Minor League Baseball season in 2020.

MiLB originally announced the delay to the start of the 2020 season on March 12 and the postponement of games on April 16 due to COVID-19.

The Chihuahuas home opener was originally slated for Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate).

“This year we will certainly miss the excitement, experience, and the sense of community that Chihuahuas baseball is well known for,” said MountainStar Sports Group and Chihuahuas President Alan Ledford.

“While baseball is not happening at Southwest University Park in 2020, we will continue to serve our community and engage with fans throughout the region through social media, community efforts, and the hard work of our mascot, Chico.”

“It is certainly disappointing to not have a 2020 season. As an organization, we will continue moving forward serving our community while planning for an amazing 2021 season,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor.

“For now, we can stay connected through our various social media platforms and modern technology. Being apart makes us appreciate how great it will feel when we can all be together again. Let us continue to support those that work daily to keep us healthy, keep us fed and keep us safe.”

With the number one social media following in all of MiLB, and while the “stay-at-home” order has been in place, the Chihuahuas engaged fans via social media platforms including Opening Day at Home, the rebroadcast of the 2016 Opening Day home game, Chihuahuas Chatter presented by Budweiser Select, a variety show featuring Tim Hagerty and special guest appearances, and Turbo Trivia presented by Helen of Troy and hosted by Chihuahuas on-field emcee, Andy Imfeld.

Chico and members of the front office staff have also participated in numerous party parades around the region and partnered with area school districts to join online classrooms.

Ledford added, “While the tradition of Minor League Baseball will take a hiatus this spring and summer, rest assured that our organization will continue to serve our community and our schools, and create memories in new ways through social media, technology and other creative means. At the same time, we are already preparing for the return of Triple-A baseball to El Paso’s de facto town square, Southwest University Park, in 2021.  In the meantime, stay well and we thank you all for the amazing support we’ve received during this very challenging time.”

Account Executives for Season Seat Memberships and Group & Premium Sales are hard at work contacting Season Seat Members and group leaders regarding the status of their current packages.

For fans wanting information regarding Season Seats or Group and Fundraising tickets, they are asked to contact their Account Executive directly via email, phone or text (915) 533-BASE.

The Chihuahuas offices and the Southwest University Park Box Offices remain closed. For information regarding 2020 single-game ticket purchases, please email info@epchihuahuas.com or text (915) 533-BASE.

El Paso Locomotive FC will resume their 2020 season beginning July 11. A revised game schedule will be released shortly. For information and updates regarding the Locomotive, visit eplocomotivefc.com.

For Chihuahuas updates and information, visit the website: epchihuahaus.com or follow the team on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The El Paso Chihuahuas are offering fans an opportunity to give dad a special gift for Father’s Day: Father’s Day Catch on the Field.

The special event, presented by Bank of America, will be held on Sunday, June 21 with two available sessions: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12-2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per person through June 14 and includes a one-hour opportunity to play catch on the field and a boxed lunch. Tickets purchased on or after June 15 will increase to $30.

Guests must provide their own baseballs and gloves for the health and safety of our paid guests and staff.

Availability is limited and the event is expected to sell out. To purchase, fans can click here. Additional online fees apply.

All Catch on the Field ticket buyers will receive follow-up information regarding health and safety measures after purchase along with a waiver of liability which must be completed by each participant.

Box Lunch includes:

Hamburger or Hot Dog

Packaged Chips

Cookie

Can Soda or Bottled Water

For more information, visit the Chihuahuas’ website, text (915) 533-BASE or email info@epchihuahuas.com.

May the 4th be with you as the El Paso Chihuahuas celebrate a virtual Star Wars Night presented by GECU on Monday, May 4.

The Star Wars themed event starts at 6:30 p.m. with a LIVE rebroadcast of the 2016 Star Wars game on Twitter and Facebook.

Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy the rebroadcast with commentary from Tim Hagerty, the voice of the Chihuahuas, and inning breaks will include contests hosted by the Chihuahuas onfield emcee, Andy Imfeld.

Fans can tune-in via the Chihuahuas Twitter or the Chihuahuas Facebook page.

• Submit your Star Wars Night Photos: Submit your Star Wars Night photos for a chance to see them during the rebroadcast. See below for details.
• Fans can enter to win prizes during the stream here beginning on Thursday, April 30 through the broadcast on Monday. The contest will close at 8 p.m. Monday, May 4: Star Wars Night Enter to Win!

For the first time ever, both Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez lights were turned on in unison, and the video displays played the same messages in order to unite the region during the COVID-19 emergency.

Earlier this week officials with the region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, FC Juarez Bravos, and El Paso Locomotive FC – announced that they would be turning on their respective stadium lights and videoboards, as well as going on their respective social media platforms as a symbolic gesture, displaying messages of unity to the binational region.

A second event, with a new set of messages will be displayed on Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday night’s The messages read:

o   We Are Strong/Somos Fuertes

o   We Are Brave/Somos Bravos

o   We Are Champions/Somos Campeones

o   We Will See You Soon El Paso & Juarez! ¡Nos Vemos pronto El Paso y Juarez!

o   #StaySafeAtHome #QuedateEnCasa #UnitedWeAreOne #UnidosSomosUno

Photos courtesy EP Chihuahuas, EP Locomotive and FC Juarez Bravos

On Tuesday, the region’s three professional sports teams – El Paso Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and FC Juarez Bravos – announced a plan to further unify the Borderplex community during the COVID-19 crisis.

The teams will turn on their respective stadium lights and videoboards as a symbolic gesture and to display messages to the binational region on Wednesday, April 29 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

The messages of strength, courage, and unity will be displayed on the videoboards at Southwest University Park and Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez in both English and Spanish.

The same will also be broadcast live on each teams’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

“Sports has a unique way of bringing people from different backgrounds together under one banner to cheer for their team,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “In this case, and in our roles as the symbolic town squares for El Paso and Juarez, we are proud to use our status and work with the Bravos to provide this gesture of support during a challenging and unique time in our history.  We all look forward to the time when we’re together again in our respective stadiums, but until then we appreciate the opportunity to do our part to bring the region together in a virtual manner.”

“Together, with strength and courage, we are united as one,” said FC Juarez President Guillermo Cantu. “By bringing the Bravos, Chihuahuas and Locomotive together, we can show the community we are united, and we look forward to the day we see our fans in our stadiums.”

Coupled with the unified messaging, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive and Bravos are asking fans to donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank to help those directly impacted by COVID-19.

The Foster Family Foundation & Hunt Family Foundation, via the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, will match each dollar donated up to $1 million to assist the Food Bank. Every dollar donated feeds up to seven families.

While the region continues to practice social distancing, the Chihuahuas, Locomotive, and Bravos want the community to feel connected while in a time of isolation and show solidarity between the two cities.

All three organizations encourage fans to wear their respective teams’ jerseys to show support for the effort and to hashtag: #StaySafeAtHome and #UnitedWeAreOne.

WHEN:  April 29 and May 6 from 8-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Southwest University Park

Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez

Chihuahuas Social Media: @epchihuahuas

Locomotive Social Media: @eplocomotivefc

Bravos Social Media: @fcjuarezoficial

WHERE TO DONATE: El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (CLICK HERE)

With professional baseball on pause, the El Paso Chihuahuas are inviting fans to enjoy a virtual opening day from the best seats in the house – their own homes.

On Tuesday, April 14th – what would have been the opening home game of the 2020 season, baseball fans can celebrate nonetheless.

Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a rebroadcast of the home opener from the 2016 Pacific Coast League Championship season.

The virtual rebroadcast will include commentary from Tim Hagerty, the voice of the Chihuahuas and inning breaks will include contests hosted by the Chihuahuas onfield emcee, Andy Imfeld. Included will be a virtual postgame Fireworks Spectacular.

The Chihuahuas are encouraging fans to participate from home in the fun, Chihuahuas home game traditions, which include:

• Virtual Game of Catch: Film yourself catching a baseball on your right side and then throwing it to your left.
• Virtual Dizzy Bat: Compete against someone in your household and send us the video to info@epchihuahuas.com.
• Wear Your Chihuahuas Swag: Post your favorite Chihuahuas Baseball Pictures with the hashtag #OpeningDayAtHomeEP.
• Enter to win prizes during the stream here: Opening Day at Home Contest.

On Friday, the El Paso Chihuahuas and L&F Distributors released a co-branded Budweiser can featuring the Chihuahuas logo.

The Chihuahuas are the first Minor League Baseball team to be featured on a Budweiser can.

“What an amazing opportunity presented to us by L&F Distributors and Budweiser,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “This shows the belief and continued recognition of our Chihuahuas brand. To pair it with Budweiser, a worldwide brand, is just incredible.”

The limited-edition 16oz can features the Chihuahuas primary mark and a QR code directing purchasers to the Chihuahuas website.

“Having the Chihuahuas logo on our Budweiser can is something we have been working towards since our partnership began in 2014,” said Nick LaMantia, General Manager of L&F Distributors West.

“The El Paso Chihuahuas are the only Minor League Baseball team to have their logo on the Budweiser can, every other team a part of this program is a Major League team. That’s something El Pasoans should be proud of, it says a lot about this team and a lot about the city of El Paso.”

L&F Distributors are a Founding Corporate Partner and the official beer partner for Southwest University Park,

Officials add that the can will be distributed to stores around El Paso.

Individual game tickets for the 2020 regular season will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, February 22 beginning at 10 a.m. in person at the Southwest University Park Box office and online.

Chihuahuas Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate). The team starts the regular season Thursday, April 9 on the road against the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels affiliate).

Season Seat Memberships, Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game Suites are also on sale and officials say dates are filling up fast. For more information call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com, or visit EPChihuahuas.com.

On Wednesday morning, officials with the El Paso Chihuahuas announced their 2020 promotional schedule, which includes Star Wars Night, three replica jersey giveaways, 13 nights of fireworks.

The Chihuahuas will feature the return of their recurring weekly promotional specials, once again offering something for everyone. Those include Military Mondays presented by Prudential, Taco Tues & Brews presented by Isabella Foods, Diablos Days & Seniors Eat Free on Wednesdays, Thrifty Thursdays presented by Speaking Rock Entertainment & Thank You Thursdays presented by Prudential, Fetch the Fun Fridays, Fireworks Spectacular Saturdays and Kids Day Sundays.

Chihuahuas Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate).  Rally towels will be given away to the first 3,000 guests through the gates with paid admission. It is also Taco Tues & Brews presented by Isabella Foods with $2 tacos and $2 beer (to be determined) until 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15^th marks the first of four 11:05 a.m. midweek day baseball games of the 2020 campaign. The other dates include April 20^th, and May 18^th and 19^th.

The force will be with the Chihuahuas on May 2^nd when the Chihuahuas celebrate Star Wars Night that include specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit.

New to the giveaway lineup in 2020 are replica jerseys! The Chihuahuas will give away a Diablos replica on April 29^th presented by Chick-fil-a, Chihuahuas jersey on June 1^st presented by Southwest University and Margaritas jersey on August 25^th. The giveaway docket also includes a Howling Dog Bucket Hat on Monday, July 20^th.

The popular GECU Bark at the Park will be on May 3^rd, July 12^th and August 28^th, with the latter featuring the popular GECU Bark at the Park jersey auction.

Guests are invited to enjoy baseball on three major holidays in 2020: Mother’s Day (May 10), Father’s Day (June 21) and Independence Day Celebration (July 2-3).  Eleven Fireworks Spectacular shows will light up the night sky on Saturdays and fans will be able to enjoy the Independence Day Celebration on July 2^nd and 3^rd featuring the best fireworks display in El Paso!

Military, first responders and veterans will continue to enjoy a 25% savings on Monday through Thursday games (excludes April 14 and July 3) via epchihuahuas.com, GovX.com or in person with valid ID at either of the Southwest University Park box office locations.

On Military Mondays presented by Prudential, all active military and veterans will get to enjoy one complimentary Jumbo Hot Dog Meal with valid military ID.

The Chihuahuas will play as the Margaritas on April 30^th, June 2^nd, July 9^th, July 28^th, and August 25^th as part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversion.

Most giveaways are for the first 1,500 guests through the gates with paid admission and in attendance. Limited sizes are available. Limit one per person. Giveaways and promotions are subject to change without notice.

More promotions and themes are coming, for up-to-the-minute information on promotions and giveaways, click here.

The Chihuahuas are currently taking deposits for NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships. Six levels of Memberships are available offering Members unprecedented in-Ballpark access during the season, year-round membership benefits new for 2020 and exclusive VIP treatment. For more information on NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships, call or text an Account Executive at (915) 533-BASE.

Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game Suites are also on sale and dates are filling up fast; for more information call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com, or visit EPChihuahuas.com.

Single game and Opening Day tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, February 22^nd beginning at 10 a.m. both online at epchihuahuas.com or at the Southwest University Park box offices. The Durango & Santa Fe Box Offices will be open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on February 22 and will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fans may purchase individual game tickets online at any time at epchihuahuas.com.

With baseball season right around the corner, individual game tickets for the Chihuahuas’ 2020 regular season will go on sale to the general public this weekend.

“We are ready for season number seven!” said Senior Vice President & General Manager Brad Taylor. “Our team has been planning and working for an exciting, fun-filled season since last September. We look forward to welcoming back our family and friends to watch another competitive Chihuahuas team.”

The ticket sale is set of Saturday, February 22 beginning at 10 a.m. in person at the Southwest University Park Box office and online.

Chihuahuas Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate). The team starts the regular season Thursday, April 9 on the road against the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels affiliate).

The Chihuahuas are also offering fans an opportunity to gear up for the 2020 season with a special Team Shop savings.

“All patrons who purchase tickets on February 22 may take their proof of purchase to the Chihuahuas Team Shop for a 10% savings on their purchase,” club officials added.

The Team Shop will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and restrictions apply.

Tickets are available starting at $5. ans should buy early as those purchasing in advance will enjoy a savings of up to 30% per ticket versus purchasing on the day of the game.

Season Seat Members will be given the first opportunity to purchase individual game tickets starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18 and Half Season & 18-game Plan Members receive the same pre-purchase benefit on Wednesday, February 19.

Season Seat Members will receive a special rate on all additional individual ticket purchases through this presale, an additional benefit of being a Chihuahuas Season Seat Member.

Members of the general public who filled out an interest form online, will have the opportunity to purchase individual game tickets on Thursday, February 20. Military and first responders, including veterans, will also have a pre-purchase opportunity via GovX.com on February 20.

Season Seat Members will be instructed via email how they can purchase their additional individual game tickets.

The Durango & Santa Fe Box Offices will be open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on February 22 and will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons may purchase individual game tickets online at any time at epchihuahuas.com.

Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, April 14, 2020 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate) at Southwest University Park.  Saturdays will once again feature the very popular Chihuahuas postgame Fireworks Spectaculars choreographed to the respective evening’s theme.

A complete list of the Day of the Week promotions as well as the 2020 theme nights and gameday promotions will be announced on Monday.

The Chihuahuas are currently taking deposits for NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships. Six levels of Memberships are available offering Members unprecedented in-Ballpark access during the season, year-round membership benefits new for 2020 and exclusive VIP treatment.

For more information on NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships, call or text an Account Executive at (915) 533-BASE!

Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game Suites are also on sale and dates are filling up fast, for more information call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com, or visit EPChihuahuas.com.

Note: A $1.50 convenience fee per ticket will be applied to online purchases. 

Edwin Rodriguez will return as manager of the El Paso Chihuahuas in 2020, the Chihuahuas and San Diego Padres announced Friday. Rodriguez led the 2019 Chihuahuas to 80 wins, the second-most victories in team history.

“We are excited to welcome back Edwin Rodriguez, Morgan Burkhart and Lance Burkhart from the field staff and Dan Turner, Dan Leja and A.J. Russell from the training staff,” Chihuahuas Senior Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor said.

“All were here last year when the Chihuahuas compiled a second-best ever team record of 80-60 and smashed Minor League Baseball’s home run record with 258 homers. We also look forward to having Pete Zamora join our field staff. As the Padres continue to strengthen themselves at the Major League level, El Paso continues to be integral in the Padres player development.”

Rodriguez is entering his fourth season in the Padres organization, having spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons managing the High-A Lake Elsinore Storm. He was the Major League manager for the Florida Marlins for parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons, becoming the first Puerto Rican manager in MLB history.

Rodriguez managed Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in 2013 and 2017. As a player, Rodriguez reached the Major Leagues for parts of three seasons with the New York Yankees (1982) and the Padres (1983 and 1985).

Pitching coach Pete Zamora is the lone newcomer to the coaching staff. Zamora was the pitching coach for Lake Elsinore the past two seasons and helped the Storm post the lowest team ERA in the California League in 2019. He also coached in the Padres organization with Rookie-Level Peoria from 2016-2017.

As a player, Zamora was drafted in the 20^th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1997 out of UCLA and pitched eight seasons professionally in the Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations.

Hitting coach Morgan Burkhart will return for his fifth season with El Paso and eighth in the Padres organization. Morgan’s brother Lance will return as El Paso’s fielding coach, his third year with the Chihuahuas and sixth in the Padres organization.

The Chihuahuas 2020 training staff will include Athletic Trainers Dan Turner and Dan Leja, as well as Strength Coach A.J. Russell.

The Chihuahuas have had six consecutive winning seasons and will begin their seventh season on Thursday, April 9 at Salt Lake against the Bees (Los Angeles Angels affiliate) with the El Paso home opener coming Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate).

The Chihuahuas have 70 regular season home games scheduled in 2020. For more information on new 2020 Season Seat Memberships, call or text an Account Executive at (915) 533-BASE

For more information on Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game suite call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com or visit EPChihuahuas.com.

The El Paso Chihuahuas announced today that for the first time in its history, Opening Day and Saturday games for the upcoming season will be available for purchase prior to the traditional on-sale date in the spring.

A limited number of tickets for Opening Day and the 11 Saturdays of the 70-game 2020 season will go on sale to the general public at midnight on November 20 until 11:59 p.m. on November 29. Tickets will be available for purchase online.

“Heading into our seventh season, we want to respond to input from our fans and give access for Opening Day and Saturday tickets earlier than we ever have,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor. “Our fans will have the best opportunity ever to lock down early these very popular Opening Night and weekend Chihuahuas tickets.”

Due to the popular demand of Opening Day and Saturday games, patrons are encouraged to purchase early to reserve seats now!

Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, April 14, 2020 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s affiliate) at Southwest University Park.  Saturdays will once again include the very popular Chihuahuas postgame Fireworks Spectaculars – choreographed to the respective evening’s theme. Theme nights and promotions will be announced at a later date.

A complete schedule of individual game tickets available for purchase is below.

The Chihuahuas are currently taking deposits for NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships. Six levels of Memberships are available offering members unprecedented in-Ballpark access during the season, year-round membership benefits new for 2020 and exclusive VIP treatment to its members.

For more information on NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships, call or text an Account Executive at (915) 533-BASE.

Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game suites are also on sale and dates are filling up fast! For more information call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com, or visit the Chihuahuas website.

WHO: El Paso Chihuahuas

WHAT: 2020 Opening Day & Saturday Games Individual Game Ticket Flash Sale

WHEN: Midnight on November 20 and will end at 11:59 p.m. on November 29

WHERE: Available online only at epchihuahuas.com.

GAMES AVAILABLE DURING ON-SALE

DATE                  TEAM                                                AFFILIATE

April 14*            Las Vegas Aviators                        Oakland A’s

April 18              Salt Lake Bees                                Los Angeles Angels

May 2                  Tacoma Rainiers                            Seattle Mariners

May 9                  Sacramento River Cats                San Francisco Giants

May 16                Salt Lake Bees                                Los Angeles Angels

May 30                Albuquerque Isotopes                 Colorado Rockies

June 6                  Las Vegas Aviators                        Oakland A’s

June 20               Memphis Redbirds                        St. Louis Cardinals

July 11                 Fresno Grizzlies                             Washington Nationals

August 1             Omaha Storm Chasers                 Kansas City Royals

August 15          Reno Aces                                        Arizona Diamondbacks

August 29          Fresno Grizzlies                             Washington Nationals

* Opening Day

Ballpark Digest announced Wednesday that the El Paso Chihuahuas are the recipient of the Continued Excellence Award given annually to a Minor League Baseball organization that has “continued to be a standard of excellence in baseball, create an atmosphere of family fun entertainment and exemplify great community partnership.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest and their entire staff with the award,” said MountainStar Sports Group Sr. Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor. “They have their finger on the pulse of the Minor League Baseball community and to have them recognize our work is very gratifying for our ownership, front office and gameday staff.”

“With the Continued Excellence Award, we look for those teams that stand out year after year, continually bringing fans the best experience possible,” said Ballpark Digest Publisher Kevin Reichard. “The Chihuahuas have been a leader in the industry since the team was founded, and the great successes of the 2019 season were built on the foundations of that continued excellence.”

The Chihuahuas are coming off one of the most successful seasons yet having eclipsed the 3-million fan mark, surpassed 500,000 guests through the gates for the sixth consecutive season, and hosted two Minor League Baseball (MiLB) premier events – the RMHC Triple-A All-Star Game and Jarritos Home Run Derby and the MiLB Innovators Summit.

These achievements are only a small part of what MountainStar Sports Group (MSSG) – who own the Chihuahuas – had in mind when they purchased the team in 2012.

Franchise officials say that with four local owners, Woody Hunt, Josh Hunt, Paul Foster and Alejandra de la Vega Foster, and led by President Alan Ledford and Taylor, MSSG is quickly seeing their mission come to fruition: to improve the quality of life and foster economic growth in El Paso, Juarez and Southern New Mexico region.

“Since Opening Day in 2014, downtown El Paso has benefited and will continue to benefit from more than $350 million in completed and under development private investment, with public investment in current and future projects underway in an effort to create a more vibrant downtown,” Chihuahuas officials shared via a news release.

“MSSG takes significant pride in ensuring that Southwest University Park is always a first-class facility recognized as one of the best venues in the minor leagues. For this reason, MountainStar sports Group has invested more than $19 million over six years (including $3.25 in 2019) into the City-owned property to continue to innovate, design and build new, exciting attractions,” club officials added.

The Chihuahuas, who have welcomed 3.3 million guests in just six seasons, have also been named to MiLB’s list of Top 25 teams in licensed merchandise since its October 22, 2013 debut.

Branding success has led the Chihuahuas to sell more merchandise than any other team since 2014. This success is also evident in the 260-thousand followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, the largest social media following in all MiLB.

“On October 22, 2013, when we announced and became the Chihuahuas, we made a commitment to believe in our brand and to promote it urgently, passionately and excessively. For six years, fans nationwide have bought in as well.”

But officials sat that it’s not all about a baseball and branding. The Chihuahuas are more than their successes. They are community driven and aim to make a difference in a community that has embraced them since their arrival.

In an effort to make the community better by participating in it, one of the core values of the Chihuahuas, the organization launched the Chihuahuas Volunteer Pack presented by Helen of Troy in 2015, an El Paso-wide volunteer force created to give back to the community. The Pack, made up of fans, players, coaches and front office staff, makes a positive impact in our community. Together, they contribute to more than 300 community service hours annually.

Chico, the Chihuahuas mascot, also contributes to the community outreach, making more than 500 community appearances each year. His education programs have become popular among area schools who request Chico for his Turn Up the Volume on Reading Program, Anti-Bullying Campaign, and Red Ribbon Week Rallies to name a few.

But perhaps the largest community impact has been the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation.

Created to help make an impact to families and children in the El Paso region, the foundation has helped local organizations raise more than $1.5 million through in-stadium fundraising, have provided $300,000 in monetary donations and $150,000 in in-kind donations.

“From the beginning,” Taylor said, “our ballpark and our efforts were about more than baseball. We view this building as a community center and our platform as El Paso’s team as opportunities to do good things for and with our region.”

The success isn’t just off the field and in the community, as the Chihuahuas have been the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate since MountainStar Sports Group acquired the team in 2013 as the Tucson Padres, renewing the PDC through the end of the 2022 campaign, fostering development among the top prospects in MLB.

Since making the move to El Paso, 59 former Chihuahuas have made their Major League debut in Major League Baseball since playing for the Chihuahuas.

 The Chihuahuas have had five consecutive winning seasons and won four consecutive Southern Division titles from 2015-2018 en route to two conference championships and two consecutive appearances in the Pacific Coast League Championship Series including a PCL title in 2016.

The team has garnered two PCL MVPs in Hunter Renfroe (2016) and most recently Ty France (2019) and three PCL Rookies of the Year (Alex Dickerson, 2015; Carlos Asuaje, 2016; France, 2019).

To further the mission of providing quality entertainment, Southwest University Park has also become a premier downtown venue, hosting more than 300 events annually, with large-scale events such as the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, the Way Out West Country Music Festival, premier boxing events to name a few.

The Chihuahuas under MountainStar Sports Group have continually delivered unparalleled and memorable service to their guests and clients and will continue to provide quality family fun entertainment for years to come.

“As we enter our seventh season our aim is to provide as much fun, as much value and as many memories as we did in our first season,” said Taylor. “We are always looking for ways to improve our product and the guest experience.”

The El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop is cleaning out the warehouse to make room for new merchandise via a very special sale.

The first ever Brown Bag Sale will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Santa Fe Plaza gate entrance of Southwest University Park.

Shoppers may purchase one grocery-sized brown bag for $10. Customers will be able to fill the purchased bag with as many items that can fit inside the bag. Selections include but are not limited to polos, t-shirts, caps, sweatshirts and name brands such as Nike, Under Armor, 57 Brand and more.

Colors, sizes, and styles are limited and all items are on a first come first served basis.

There is a one bag limit per customer per visit however, buyers may repeat the process and wait their respective turn if they would like to purchase another bag. Other restrictions apply. No refunds or exchanges will be allowed.

Only cash, credit and debit will be accepted. For more information, contact the Chihuahuas Team Shop at (915) 533-BASE or via email at retail@epchihuahuas.com.

WHO: The El Paso Chihuahuas Team Shop

WHAT: Brown Bag Sale

WHEN: November 2, 2019 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

WHERE: Santa Fe Plaza Gate at Southwest University Park; Durango entrance will be closed!

HOW: $10 Brown Bag All-You-Can-Fill; Limit one (1) per person per visit; Reentry will be accepted but patrons must repeat the process; Restrictions Apply

The El Paso Chihuahuas announced their 2020 season home schedule on Monday. Opening night is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 14 versus the Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland A’s) at Southwest University Park.

The home season includes 70 home games of a 140-game schedule that will run through Sunday, August 30.

The Chihuahuas open their seventh season at Southwest University Park with nine home games in April including a seven-game series against the Aviators and the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels), respectively.

The Chihuahuas will play 13 and 15 games in May and June, including Mother’s Day (May 17) and Father’s Day (June 21). The Chihuahuas will play 16 games in July and August is the heaviest month of the home schedule with 17 games.

As members of the Pacific Coast League’s (PCL) Pacific Conference, the Chihuahuas will face Albuquerque, Fresno, Las Vegas, Reno, Sacramento, Salt Lake and Tacoma twice.

The Chihuahuas will take on each member of the American Conference once, including visits from Nashville (June 17-19), Memphis (June 20-23), Iowa (July 28-July 30) and Omaha (July 31-August 3).

The complete 2020 Chihuahuas home schedule as well as a home schedule breakdown follows.

The Chihuahuas are currently taking deposits for NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships! Six levels of memberships are available offering members unprecedented in-ballpark access during the season, new year-round membership benefits and exclusive VIP treatment to its members.

For more information on NEW 2020 Season Seat Memberships, call or text an Account Executive at (915) 533-BASE!

Groups, Premium Hospitality Events, and single-game suites are also on sale and dates are filling up fast! For more information call (915) 533-BASE, email tickets@epchihuahuas.com, or visit EPChihuahuas.com.

Individual game ticket sales, game times and promotions will be announced at a later date.

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2020 Chihuahuas Home Schedule

DATE                                       TEAM                                                   AFFILIATE

April 14-16                              vs. Las Vegas Aviators                         Oakland A’s

April 17-20                              vs. Salt Lake Bees                                  Los Angeles Angels

April 29-May 3                       vs. Tacoma Rainiers                             Seattle Mariners

May 8-11                                  vs. Sacramento River Cats                 San Francisco Giants

May 16-19                                vs. Salt Lake Bees                                  Los Angeles Angels

May 30-June 2                        vs. Albuquerque Isotopes                  Colorado Rockies

June 3-7                                    vs. Las Vegas Aviators                         Oakland A’s

June 17-19                               vs. Nashville Sounds                            Texas Rangers

June 20-23                               vs. Memphis Redbirds                         St. Louis Cardinals

June 30-July 3                         vs. Reno Aces                                         Arizona Diamondbacks

July 8-12                                   vs. Fresno Grizzlies                              Washington Nationals

July 13-15                                 All-Star Break

July 20-23                                 vs. Sacramento River Cats                 San Francisco Giants

July 28-30                                 vs. Iowa Cubs                                         Chicago Cubs

July 31-August 3                    vs. Omaha Storm Chasers                  Kansas City Royals

August 13-16                          vs. Reno Aces                                         Arizona Diamondbacks

August 17-20                          vs. Albuquerque Isotopes                  Colorado Rockies

August 25-27                          vs. Tacoma Rainiers                             Seattle Mariners

August 28-30                          vs. Fresno Grizzlies                              Washington Nationals

HOME SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN

By Month                                          By Day of Week                               By Team

April                     9                            Sunday                11                         Albuquerque                    8

May                      13                         Monday              8                            Fresno                                8

June                     15                         Tuesday              9                            Iowa                                   3

July                       16                         Wednesday       10                         Las Vegas                          8

August                 17                         Thursday            11                         Memphis                           4

                                                            Friday                  10                         Nashville                           3

Saturday             11                         Omaha                               4

                                                                                                                        Reno                                   8

                                                                                                                        Sacramento                      8

                                                                                                                        Salt Lake                            8

                                                                                                                        Tacoma                              8

For the second time in 2019, the El Paso Chihuahuas will host one of Minor League Baseball’s (MiLB) premier events – the Minor League Baseball Innovators Summit and the Minor League Baseball Innovators Summit Trade Show.

“The Minor League Baseball Innovators Summit is an official proclamation and accurate depiction that our 160 teams are all industry leaders in creativity, inclusion and showmanship,” said Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “Simply put, there is nothing minor about Minor League Baseball, and this event proves that.”

The summit will take place at the El Paso Convention Center and Performing Arts Center including the Abraham Chavez Theatre and the Judson F. Williams Convention Center, as well as Southwest University Park, home of the El Paso Chihuahuas and the El Paso Locomotive FC.

The summit will bring more than 500 MiLB executives from nearly all MiLB teams, trade show exhibitors and event partners from around the country to downtown El Paso for four days of industry workshops, seminars, sharing of ideas and best practices and will culminate in an event and awards presentation at Southwest University Park.

Alan Ledford, president of MountainStar Sports Group and the Chihuahuas said, “Part of the vision for Southwest University Park was for it to serve as a catalyst for economic development and a means to improve the quality of life in this region. We are honored to once again welcome hundreds of executives and show vendors from around the country to El Paso.

“This represents another opportunity to show off our unmatched hospitality and the great things happening throughout our community and downtown.”

Started as the El Paso Promotional Seminar in 1976 by Jim Paul, former owner of the El Paso Diablos, the meeting brought together industry leaders to discuss challenges facing the business and to explore innovative ways to give baseball fans the best experiences when attending a baseball game.

The meeting quickly grew and has become an annual premier event for executives and staff in Minor League Baseball.

Brad Taylor, senior vice president and general manager of MountainStar Sports Group, began working on bringing the seminar back to its original home in El Paso during the 2014 inaugural season of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

During the 2018 MiLB Promotional Seminar in Des Moines, Iowa, Taylor’s hard work was rewarded when it was announced that El Paso would become the host city for the newly-rebranded MiLB Innovators Summit in 2019.

“It is only appropriate in an anniversary year that this event comes full circle and returns home to El Paso,” Taylor said. “Our goal was to bring the new generation of Minor League operators to our great city to learn from each other and to celebrate and remember what Jim Paul and the Diablos started. Now the Chihuahuas carry it forward.”

With the return to El Paso in 2019, the MiLB Promo Seminar now has a new name and logo – the Minor League Baseball Innovators Summit. The summit will include four days of presentations, keynote speakers, including Paul, workshops including a Ticketing Symposium presented by Tickets.com, charity events, a trade show and a Women in Baseball event to name a few.

Attendees will participate in the MiLB CommUNITY Service Project, presented by Musco Sports Lighting and Uncle Ray’s, on Monday, Sept. 23 at the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) located at 7060 Comington St.

The four-day summit culminates with an event at Southwest University Park on Thursday, Sept. 26, that includes the annual Golden Bobblehead Awards, honoring those teams that have had the most unique and creative promotions or events during the 2019 season.

Southwest University Park has seen its share of premier MiLB events since it opened its doors in 2014. The Chihuahuas hosted the Gildan Triple-A National Championship in 2015 in front of a nationally-televised standing room only crowd.

On the heels of the success of the game and during the 2017 season, MiLB announced that MountainStar Sports Group and the El Paso Chihuahuas, would host another nationally-televised premier event – the 2019 RMHC Triple-A All-Star Game and Jarritos Home Run Derby, two events that brought thousands of visitors to downtown El Paso and more than 16,000 patrons to Southwest University Park.

Ledford added, “MountainStar Sports Group has, as its mission, to bring a variety of events and activities to our ballpark. Events like the Innovators Summit fill our hotel rooms, restaurants, and bars while providing a perfect setting for out-of-town visitors.”

The two events have brought in nearly 2,000 out-of-town guests and an estimated $2 million in external revenue to downtown El Paso.

Since the inaugural season the Chihuahuas have welcomed more than three and a half million guests through the Southwest University Park gates paving the way for the acquisition of a United Soccer League team – the El Paso Locomotive FC.

More importantly, the ballpark has become a showcase venue in El Paso, hosting non-sporting events such as the Way Out West Country Music Festival, the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon and the El Paso Strong city-wide celebration.

The scale of such events as the Innovators Summit and the Way Out West Festival continue to have an impact on the City of El Paso.

“With the Chihuahuas and Locomotive entering their seventh and second seasons, respectively, it is certain Southwest University Park will continue to thrive and serve as a gathering place for the community,” officials added.

The summit begins Monday, Sept. 23 and concludes on Thursday, Sept. 26.