COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Tens of thousands of visitors are in town this weekend for the MexTour soccer match.
KBTX was at the Futbol Fiesta event in Aggie Park on Saturday where many of the fans were tailgating.
Fans were wearing their favorite team’s jersey and many were seen drinking water and carrying a fan to stay cool in the heat.
Neil Peltier with the University Center & Special Events is expecting up to 25,000 people at the tailgate.
There were also Brazilian and Mexican artists and dancers performing during the tailgate to entertain the crowds.
“We’re ready, we’ve worked with our university partners, Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Services, and we’re really prepared to host a big crowd today,” said Peltier.
MLS MexTour Media Officer, Gabriel Gabor, says Kyle Field should be packed with 80,000 fans.
“We’re expecting today somewhere around 80,000, maybe a little north of that. The majority of folks have bought tickets from out of town so, there are a lot of people driving in from all over Texas because we are very central. We do know that they are coming from all over the country, not to mention the fans that came from Mexico and the fans that come from Brazil,” said Gabor.
Because Mexico is facing Brazil, the rivalry has brought in even more people.
“It’s a big deal for the city I see that the restaurants are full when I drive by, the hotels are full, and that’s good to hear for the local economy,” said Gabor.
Fans were excited to see the sport first-hand.
“It’s good because it’s an experience for anybody who can come watch the game, it’s an experience for anybody, so we’re just excited to be here and watch the game you know,” said Mexico soccer fan Christian Lopez.
Valeria Lopez is an avid soccer fan and traveled from Houston to experience the electric atmosphere of Kyle Field.
“I think it’s amazing because I feel like soccer is so much bigger than like this school or anything. World cup is coming up and I just think it’s awesome,” said Lopez.
According to an A&M Official, there were a total of 75,000 tickets sold for the game.
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