The Inauguration of Tepic's 'Coloso del Pacífico' Stadium
Nayarit, Mexico, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art baseball stadium, the "Coloso del Pacífico." The opening ceremony featured an exhibition game between Mexico and Cuba, marking the start of the Premier 12 tournament.
The heart of Mexican baseball received a resounding beat on Tuesday night as the “Coloso del Pacífico” stadium in Tepic, Nayarit, opened its doors for the first time. A gathering of Mexican baseball officials, government representatives, and sports enthusiasts watched as Governor Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero and Rommel Pacheco Marrufo, the General Director of the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE), ushered in a new era for Mexican sports. In a symbolic start, Pacheco tossed the inaugural pitch of the night’s exhibition game between the Mexican and Cuban national teams, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated Premier 12 international baseball tournament.
The construction of the new “Coloso del Pacífico” stadium is an impressive feat for the state of Nayarit and a crowning achievement in Governor Navarro's commitment to the development of sports infrastructure in the region. The stadium promises to become a hub of baseball in Western Mexico and provide a world-class venue for both players and fans. Governor Navarro’s push to bring top-tier facilities to Tepic reflects a larger vision of promoting healthy lifestyles, developing young athletes, and attracting national and international competitions to Nayarit.
Beyond just physical structures, Navarro’s administration sees this project as a catalyst for sports culture among young people in Nayarit. “For generations, these children and young people will be choosing the best path for their lives, which is sports,” Pacheco said in his opening speech, applauding the Governor’s vision to inspire a new generation of athletes through this spectacular new facility.
The grand opening ceremony attracted an esteemed lineup of national and international sports officials. Joining Governor Navarro and Pacheco were Ricardo Fraccari, President of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC); Guillermo Ramírez, President of the Premier 12 Organizing Committee; Horacio De la Vega, President of the Mexican National Team Committee; and Carolina Lugo, Director of the Nayarit Institute of Sports and Physical Culture. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the significance of the stadium’s opening, not only as a milestone for Mexican sports but as a signal to the world that Mexico is serious about its place in international baseball.
Amid the fanfare, Pacheco shared warm greetings from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of Education Mario Delgado, who conveyed their support and pride for this significant step forward in Mexican sports. Pacheco emphasized the commitment of the Sheinbaum administration to ensure that Mexican athletes have the resources and opportunities needed to excel on the international stage, including at the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In a particularly heartfelt moment, Pacheco addressed Ricardo Fraccari, noting the WBSC president’s invaluable support in helping Mexico achieve a new standard of excellence in baseball. “We are going to build together the path to Los Angeles 2028 for both the baseball and softball teams,” he said, symbolizing the collaborative spirit that defines Mexico’s relationship with the global baseball community.
CONADE was present at the inauguration of the “Coloso del Pacífico”, the new baseball stadium in Tepic. Accompanying the Governor of Nayarit, Miguel Angel Navarro, the General Director, Rommel Pacheco, presented the flag for the Mexican National Team that will participate in the Premier 12 and threw out the first pitch of the inaugural game. Credit: AGN
Team Mexico’s Premier 12 Quest
The stadium opening coincided with the beginning of Team Mexico’s journey in the Premier 12, a critical tournament in international baseball that brings together the world’s top teams in a bid for glory. Mexico is set to face formidable competitors in Group A, including Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Panama, the United States, and the Netherlands. The matches in Group A will take place at two venues: Tepic’s new stadium and the Pan American Stadium in Guadalajara, further emphasizing Mexico’s position as a premier destination for high-level baseball.
Before the opening pitch, Pacheco had the honor of raising the Mexican flag, marking the national team’s official start in the tournament. The display was a poignant reminder of the pride that unites these players and fans, as Mexico’s finest baseball talents prepare to compete against some of the toughest teams in the sport. With Group A games set to start on November 9, all eyes will be on Team Mexico as they attempt to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on their home turf.
The Premier 12 tournament will also see intense action in Group B, which will unfold across Japan and Chinese Taipei. In addition to Cuba, the nations of Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Dominican Republic, and Australia will be vying for victory, highlighting the global significance of this competition.
Tuesday’s inauguration represented more than just the unveiling of a stadium—it was a statement about Mexico’s ambitions on the global stage. Pacheco took time to commend the athletes of Team Mexico, reminding them that they are at the heart of a movement aimed at strengthening Mexico’s position in international baseball. He spoke passionately about the Sheinbaum administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources for athletes, from training facilities to world-class coaching, to enable them to achieve their fullest potential.
“We’re providing everything our athletes need to excel, to get better every day, and to bring home more medals for Mexico,” Pacheco said, encouraging the Mexican team and their Cuban counterparts as they prepare for the tournament ahead. His words resonated with the sense of pride and determination palpable throughout the stadium as fans waved flags and cheered for their heroes on the field.
In recognition of his commitment to sports development, Governor Navarro received a special acknowledgment from the WBSC and its president, Ricardo Fraccari. The honor underscored Navarro’s success in creating a nurturing environment for athletes and his dedication to establishing Nayarit as a beacon for sports in Mexico. This acknowledgment symbolizes Mexico’s growing influence in the international baseball community and its commitment to fostering new talent.
The journey is just beginning for Team Mexico as they head into the Premier 12 tournament, backed by a country rallying behind them and a government that has pledged to support their efforts. The “Coloso del Pacífico” stadium is more than just a new building—it’s a foundation for future champions and a platform for the next generation of athletes to rise.
With this world-class venue, a determined team, and a robust vision from leaders like Governor Navarro and Rommel Pacheco, Mexico’s prospects on the baseball diamond have never looked brighter.
