The Valley’s first Copa America Centenario match fell on the third straight day of record breaking heat, but that wasn’t expected to keep fùtbol fans from taking in the spectacle of Mexico vs. Uruguay at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Like Super Bowl XLIV and the most recent College Football National Championship Game, organizers want to turn Copa America into a party. Fan central is in Tempe and there are free events at Westgate Entertainment District.
But KJZZ wanted to know what’s going on in Maryvale, a neighborhood that was once a symbol for post-World War II suburbia. In the 1980s and '90s, the neighborhood transformed into an area that’s now about 75 percent Hispanic.
Nobody knows Maryvale better than area activist Rosa Pastrana. She’s from Guerrero, Mexico, and agreed to help find fans that couldn’t afford tickets or would just rather watch with friends.
“I keep an eye on the community, help it learn to reduce crime and be more united,” she said in Spanish.
The temperature spiked to 113 degrees about an hour before the match kicked off, baking Maryvale’s crumbling asphalt like a cake someone forgot in the oven.
Pastrana had ideas for where to find parties, but the oppressive heat was keeping everyone indoors. Then she spotted a full parking lot at Tacos y Mariscos El Kora restaurant near 43rd Avenue and Indian School Road.
Inside, there’s a five-piece band belting out tunes, televisions tuned to the match are everywhere. Juventino Martinez sits nearby. He brought his family to Maryvale from Chandler so they can watch the Mexican national team.
“More than anything, we came here because the food is fresh,” he said in Spanish.
Martinez orders shrimp cocktail and Oysters while he watches as an Uruguay own goal gives Mexico jumps an early lead. Originally from Durango, Mexico Martinez has lived in the Valley for about 25 years. To him, the Copa America is a triumph for all the countries involved.
“It’s great that they came to play here in Phoenix. It’s a big thing for Arizona when it comes to fans buying tickets, food, etc.,” Martinez said.
El Kora’s dining room was almost full when the match started, and looked like it would only get busier. But as the first half waned, people left and pretty soon there were at plenty of open tables. At intermission, Pastrana said she knows another restaurant near Thomas Road and 43rd Avenue.
They’re showing the match, but there’s hardly anyone there. It’s the same at place that sells raspados, or snow cones, and another heading back toward El Kora.
Meanwhile, it’s getting late in the second half when Uruguay tied the score 1-1. The match could result in a draw, but as Pastrana walks into Los Reyes de la Torta during the 85th minute, Mexico retook the lead.
Eloy de la Torre owns Los Reyes de la Torta, which was featured on the show "Man V. Food." Originally from Mexico City, he said the restaurant was busy before the match, but slowed down once it started.
“But we know that when the game is over, people will come back for dinner,” de la Torre said in Spanish.
Then Mexico scored again in stoppage time to end the match 3-1.
“It means a lot,” de la Torre said. “Imagine the excitement we have right now. To beat Uruguay, a team with guys that play for super teams in Europe. Hopefully Mexico can keep it up so we can make it to the finals.”
The heat may have kept fans from flooding Maryvale restaurants. Or perhaps crowds were smaller because it’s a working class neighborhood, and many people punch time clocks on Sundays. But if Mexico keeps winning, before the Copa America Centenario ends on June 26, Maryvale might turn into fùtbol central.
