DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announced today they are once again transforming Pride Plaza, their free pre-game tailgate on Brush Street, into Plaza de los Leones to recognize Latino Heritage Month during their Week 2 regular season game at Ford Field against the Chicago Bears (Kickoff 1 PM).
The festivities will run from 10 AM to 1 PM, with Interim Executive Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) Lex Zavala serving as the event's emcee and spokesperson for Latino heritage programming. Plaza de los Leones will honor and celebrate the Latino community within Detroit through traditional dance performances, live music, artistry, interactive activities for fans, and informative discussions on the Latino culture. Special guests and activities include:
- Ballet Folklorico de Detroit: The traditional Mexican youth dance group will host several performances in the plaza for fans to enjoy, beginning with the full team on Adams Street (10:30 AM) and followed by two small group performances on-stage (10:35 AM and 11:25 AM).
- Salsa & Bachata Lessons: Fans in the plaza will have the opportunity to participate in 15-minute Salsa (10:00 AM) and Bachata (11:05 AM) dance lessons on stage, led by dance instructor Mino Bachatero.
- Mariachi Mexico 2020: Detroit's very own – Mariachi Mexico 2020 – will perform throughout the plaza for strolling fans to enjoy, followed by an on-stage performance (11:45 AM).
- Live Artistry: Local Southwest Detroit Artist – Elton Monroy Duran - will live-paint a piece inspired by his one-of-a-kind Lion sculpture – made completely out of auto parts and designed to represent the rich, intertwined history of the motor city and Latino community here in Detroit. The commissioned piece will be auctioned off on the Detroit Lions Foundation auction site with proceeds benefitting Mexicantown Community Development Corporation. Fans will also have an opportunity to view and take photos with the Lion sculpture, as well as take home commemorative event postcards and coloring sheets courtesy of Corpus Art Inc.
- Ford F-150® Lobo™ Display: As part of Latino Heritage, Ford will have the new F-150 Lobo displayed for fans to check out, take photos, and engage with. The new F-150 Lobo is a V8-powered street truck inspired by customer personalization trends to create a lowered, stylish and high-performance truck. The vehicle is a true fusion of cultural roots and American performance.
- Face Painting: "Gracie the Clown" will be on-site to bring the celebration of culture and art to life on fan faces.
Beginning with the 2024 Detroit Lions season, the organization has brought a focus to celebrate the contributions of Latinos across Michigan with the supercharged pregame experience of Plaza de los Leones through music, food and movement, as well as planned gameday elements to honor Latinos making a difference in the community during game breaks.
