Mexican Baseball Fiesta already breaking records

El Paso’s new ballpark is still packing them in!

On Sunday, the four-year-old Mexican Baseball Fiesta — featuring teams from the Mexican Winter League — made its debut at Southwest University Park. The result was a record-breaking crowd.

The day began with the playing of the Mexican national anthem, which was a first for El Paso’s new Downtown ballpark.

“I thought it was very entertaining just to watch the mascots and the music and the interaction,” said El Paso Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor. “I guess it’s just a little bit looser, so it was neat to experience something like that.”

When asked if he can see the Mexican Baseball Fiesta returning, Taylor replied: “I think we can see it coming back. We were at 6,808 last night so … fantastic crowd!”

Numerous records were broken here at Southwest University Park this season and the Mexican Baseball Fiesta was no different. Sunday’s crowd of more than 6,800 was the biggest ever for a Mexican Baseball Fiesta game.

“We clearly had a different crowd here than we have for Chihuahuas games and that was one of the reasons we wanted to do this event,” Taylor said. “We wanted other people to have a reason to come here and see this beautiful facility if they have not yet and to experience what it’s like to have a ballpark in Downtown El Paso.”

ABC-7 spotted Susie Ruacho getting tickets to Monday’s game. She said she grew up going to Juarez Indios games.

“It was a family affair on Saturdays and Sundays,” Ruacho said, admitting she misses that.

“This is the perfect location for the Mexican Baseball Fiesta and obviously (Sunday) night proved to be that case,” said Mike Feder, president of the Mexican Baseball Fiesta. “it’s already a tremendous success (here). I don’t know what the management of the Chihuahuas say, but to me if there’s 4,000 people here everybody should be jumping up and down on a Monday night.”

There will be a fireworks show at the completion of Monday’s game.

Taylor said this is likely the last baseball game to be played in the ballpark this year, although many other events are scheduled. He said they are working on a deal to allow some high school teams to play there early next year and there is also the possibility of a Major League exhibition game.