NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 22, 2023) – Nashville Soccer Club announced today its upcoming celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month throughout September and October. These initiatives aim to honor and uplift the Hispanic and Latino communities in Middle Tennessee, promote cultural diversity, and support local Hispanic and Latino-focused organizations.
“Today, we are proud to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and the resilience, culture, and extraordinary achievements of Middle Tennessee’s diverse Hispanic community,” said Nashville SC Head of Community Engagement Brandon Hill. “Nashville could not thrive without the many professional, civic, and cultural contributions of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. We are excited to bring our fans and supporters together to recognize these contributions and the critical role they play in the success of our city.”
As part of the celebrations, Nashville SC will host its Hispanic Heritage Night on Saturday, Sept. 30, at GEODIS Park when the Boys in Gold host the Seattle Sounders FC at 7:30 p.m. CT. Tickets for the match can be purchased at www.NashvilleSC.com/Tickets.
Hispanic Heritage Night Plaza Party and Opening Act: In the lead-up to Nashville SC’s match against the Seattle Sounders on Sept. 30, and located in the North Plaza of GEODIS Park, Nashville SC will host the Hispanic Heritage Night Plaza Party featuring pop-up performances by Hobo Cane and various Hispanic vendors, community partners, artists, and allies.
Music and Entertainment: GEODIS Park will feature a variety of performances by Hispanic artists and musicians including Hobo Cane (Opening Act), Valerie Ponzio (National Anthem), Giovanni Rodriguez and 12 Manos (GEODIS WeHo Club), Julián García as our DJ for the night and Alexis Zúñiga (Guitar Riff). Zúñiga will riff on the official Delgado Guitar created by Manuel Delgado from remnants of GEODIS Park materials pulled during construction of the stadium.
Section 615: Nashville SC’s special Section 615 will once again host guests from Conexión Américas, an organization founded in 2002 to address the pressing challenges and opportunities created by demographic changes in Middle Tennessee as an increasing number of Latino families moved to the state.
GEODIS Community Flag Bearers: Guests from the TLACC will serve as honorary flag bearers for the Nashville SC Community Flag ceremony.
Hero of the Match: Nashville SC will recognize Jessie Garcia Knowles, Executive Director of the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
Hyundai Military Salute: Nashville SC will recognize Captain Javier Barzaga of Fort Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division for his service to the nation with distinction, most recently serving a nine-month deployment to Romania following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and during Hispanic Heritage Night on Sept. 30, Nashville SC will participate in the following activations:
Hispanic Heritage Month Patch 2023: Nashville SC will release a special edition of the Hispanic Heritage Month patch designed by local artist Valentina Harper that fans and supporters may purchase now through Oct. 16 at the official NSC Team Store or online at www.NashvilleSCMobileShop.com. All proceeds from the patch sales will benefit the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce (TLACC), and a purchase of the patch will come with discount offers to several local Hispanic businesses. For a full list of discount offers, visit www.NashvilleSC.com/Community.
Young Latino Writers Essay Contest: For the sixth consecutive season, dating back to the USL Championship, Nashville SC is partnering with Conexión Américas in inviting Middle Tennessee high school students to participate in the Young Latino Writers Essay Contest. Local high school students Daniela Martínez Becerra, Perla Hernandez, Rick Tzompa-Chimal, and grand prize winner, Maya García were celebrated at the Hispanic Heritage Awards last Friday, Sept. 15.
IMPACT Soccer Day at Celebrate Nashville: Nashville SC and BODYARMOR will bring its IMPACT Soccer program to the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival, the city’s annual event dedicated to celebrating the cultural diversity and communities of the Greater Nashville population on Saturday, Oct. 7. The IMPACT program gives children in underserved communities access to soccer and will provide a day of soccer activities, skill drills and giveaways at the site.
