Local business tycoon is estatic to put his company’s name to the new stadium

 (Laredo, Tx)  As the Laredo baseball stadium continues on its fast-paced construction schedule, to be ready for its first baseball game on May 17, 2012, the next big announcement from the City of Laredo, Ventura Sports Group, and the Laredo Lemurs organization is the name of the soon-to-be completed baseball stadium. 

 Welcome to the Uni-Trade Stadium.   “I am so proud and excited that one of Laredo’s own most prominent businessman, Mr. Eduardo Garza, and his company, leaders of industry in their own right, are true visionaries when it comes to the longterm viability of this stadium and the quality of life it will bring to not only Laredoans, but even visitors to our beatiful city,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “I would also like to congratulate Ventura Sports Group for their work to make every aspect of the stadium and team, a world-class endeavor.  From our coach, the incomparable Pete Incaviglia, to the team name, the Laredo Lemurs, which I love, by the way and now, the facility’s name: are all coming together for something very special for Laredo.  Another home run!”

 Eduardo Garza, CEO/President of Uni-Trade Forwarding, LLC, felt that the opportunity to be a part of something so permanent and so exciting, as tying his name to the baseball stadium, and ultimately, the team, was the right fit for this locally built, locally run business.

 “Uni-Trade is as much a part of Laredo’s economic landscape as baseball is a major part of Laredo’s sports world,” said Garza.  “Uni-Trade Stadium will come to represent the best of minor league baseball and family entertainment in Texas , much like Uni-Trade Forwarding represents the best in the forwarding industry.”

 The partnership between Ventura Sports Group and Uni-Trade Forwarding gives them the exclusive naming rights to the the Ventura Sports Group run, City of Laredo owned multi-purpose facility.    Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

 “We could not have hand-picked a better Naming Rights partner than Eduardo Garza and Uni-Trade Forwarding,” stated Mark Schuster, managing partner of Ventura Sports Group.  “From the moment we begain discussing the possibility, we knew it was the perfect fit,” he added.

 In early June, the City of Laredo officially broke ground on the $18 million facility.  The construction is on a fast-pace to be completed in time for the first pitch, to be thrown out in spectacular Laredo fashion on Thursday, May 17, 2012, 7:30 p.m.  Leyendecker Construction, a Laredo firm, along with HKS Sports & Entertainment, Humphries & Sanchez Architects and Puig Engineering, are all working together to help build a world-class sports entertainment facility for Laredo.

  Uni-Trade Stadium is designed to accommodate professional baseball dimensions. The facility will have a stadium capacity of 6,000 for baseball with 3,940 fixed seats with seat back, arm rests and cupholders, as well as 11 suites; a party suite; club seating; and general admission seating.  Grass berm areas will accommodate an additional 1,700 spectators and picnic tables another 370 attendees.  The stadium will feature plenty of restrooms, fun and interactive fan amenities and numerous concession offerings throughout the 10-acre ballpark.  A stadium club with an air-condition sports bar, first-class press box,  and 11,000 square foot kids’ play area will also be included, along with team offices, clubhouses, and maintenance areas. 

 Aside from professional baseball, the facility will be able to host high school and college regular season and play-off games and tournaments.  Additionally, Uni-Trade Stadium will be an entertainment venue itself, hosting concerts and other outdoor events, such as professional boxing, mixed martial arts competitions, car shows, as well as corporate picnics or even family reunions.  The permanent concert stage, located above the centerfield wall, will bring the stadium capacity to over 16,000 for concerts and non-baseball events.

 On the field, the Lemurs are currently searching worldwide for players to fill out their roster of 22 players for play in the American Assocation of Independent Professional Baseball League.  The league has three divisions – North, Central and South – with teams in great markets, such as St. Paul, MN; Kansas City, MO; Lincoln, NE; El Paso, TX; and even Winnepeg, Canada;. According to Ruben Navas, Laredo Lemurs President, this is an exciting time for fans to get involved with the team.

 “I couldn’t be more excited about this great opportunity for bringing great baseball to Laredo,” said Navas. “As a young Hispanic, I understand our culture and the passion for the game of baseball.  I am honored to be a part of such an exciting time for Laredo, where families and friends will build many memories at the ballpark.  With tickets as low as $5, there’s not a bad seat in the house.  The organization is thrilled at the rapid growth of our fan base and local corporate support that we are receiving throughout our region.”

 For more information on the Laredo Lemurs, please visit www.laredolemurs.com.

 Funding for the project comes from sales tax that was originally set aside in 2000 for the construction and development of an entertainment complex, which included the Laredo Energy Arena.  In 2008, voters approved for a portion of those same tax dollars – not a new tax – to be diverted to construct the baseball stadium.

            The proposed fee, brought forward by the Student Government Association, would have increased the TAMIU Athletics Fee by $3 per semester credit hour to furtherenhance TAMIU Athletics. It would have been dedicated to the current operational needs of the Athletics Program, including uniforms, equipment, travel and gym maintenance and could have been used for the addition of other TAMIU sports in the future.

            TAMIU president Ray Keck said that the University respects the students’ vote and voice, but is disappointed by the outcome. “I am sure everyone understands the students’ feelings on this matter.  No one wants to see fees or tuition go up. The Dustdevils’ athletic program, however, is in need of additional resources, since State appropriations may not be used for athletics.  Our Student Government Association is to be congratulated for placing this issue before the student  body for a vote and we appreciate their visionary work on this,” Dr. Keck said.

            For 2012-2013, the University has submitted planned fee increases in designatedtuition, health, Library, technology, student services, energy and graduatetuition fees.  Those fees are subject to the approval of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.  The additional fees would fund increased service and resource needs in these areas to better address the University’s rapid enrollment growth.  TAMIU has grown 62 percent in enrollment in the past five years, and posted an historic enrollment of 7,039 this Fall.

            If approved by the Board of Regents, the fees would be in place for the start of the Fall 2012 semester. If approved, the additional fees for 15-hour course load would raise costs 4.27%, or $139.95.  TAMIU remains one of the lowest cost universities in the State and was cited by CNN as one of the “Ten Most Affordable Colleges” in the U.S., based on information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

            The fee increases were proposed in light of the State Legislature’s across-the-board budget cuts to the University that equaled 18% or $9.2 million of the University’s budget.

            Registration for the Spring Semester 2012 at TAMIU is now underway online at tamiu.edu. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 17            

(Laredo, Tx)-The Laredo Lemurs Baseball Team release their Official 2012 Season Baseball Schedule.    The Lemurs will play a total of 48 games 25 of which will be played in Laredo.  The Laredo Lemurs will be managed next season by former Major Leauge Baseball Player Pete Incaviglia.  The Lemurs will open their season on May 17th at home against the Grand Prairie Air Hogs.

Laredo Lemurs 2012 Official Schedule

 Date               Location      Game Time Opponent

May 17                 HOME                   7:30pm                 GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

May 18                 HOME                   7:30pm                 GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

May 19                 HOME                   7:30pm                 GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

May 20                HOME                   7:30pm                 GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

May 21                 HOME                   7:30pm                 WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

May 22                 HOME                   7:30pm                 WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

May 23                 HOME                   7:30pm                 WINNIPEG GOLDEYES

May 24                   Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

May 25                   Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

May 26                   Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

May 27                  Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

May 28                  Road                TBD                       Lincoln Saltdogs

May 29                  Road                     TBD                       Lincoln Saltdogs

May 30                  Road                     TBD                       Lincoln Saltdogs

June 1                  HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS

June 2                 HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS

June 3                 HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS                                                              

June 4                   Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 5                   Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 6                   Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 7                 HOME             7:30pm                              AMARILLO SOX        

June 8                  HOME             7:30pm                              AMARILLO SOX        

June 9                  HOME             7:30pm                              AMARILLO SOX                                                    

June 10                HOME             7:30pm                              AMARILLO SOX

June 11                    Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 12                    Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 13                     Road                     TBD                       Grand Prairie Airhogs

June 14                   HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS

June 15                   HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS

June 16                   HOME             7:30pm                       EL PASO DIABLOS

June 18                   HOME             7:30pm                       GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS

June 19                   HOME             7:30pm                       GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS

June 20                  HOME             7:30pm                       GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS

June 22                      Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

June 23                       Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

June 24                       Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

June 25                       Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

June 26                       Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

June 27                      Road                     TBD                       Amarillo Sox

June 29                   HOME             7:30pm                       Worcester Tornadoes

June 30                  HOME             7:30pm                       Worcester Tornadoes

July 1                        HOME             7:30pm                       Worcester Tornadoes

July 3                         Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

July 4                        Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

July 5                        Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

July 6                        Road                     TBD                       El Paso Diablos

July 7                      HOME             7:30pm                       GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

July 8                     HOME             7:30pm                       GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS

Coach Israel Collazo Remains, Will Handle Youth Initiatives

 Laredo, TX : The Laredo Heat Soccer Club, members of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) Mid-South Division have named Fernando Hernandez as the new head man for the 2012 season.

 The Heat, founded in 2004 and playing as a full-fledged PDL Franchise since 2005 made the head coaching change announcement today.

 Fernando Hernandez has been on the Heat sideline since 2007 as Israel Collazo’s assistant coach.

 Though Collazo will no longer be at the helm of the PDL club, he will not be very far away in terms of being involved with the team.

 “Israel (Collazo) will still be involved with our organization and he will be part of the contingent that will handle our continued youth development initiative”, said Heat Owner and President Shashi Vaswani.

 “Collazo is still considered a valuable asset for our future youth projects and I have asked him to continue, at an aggressive pace, to obtain the necessary coaching licenses which will help our overall program”.

 Vaswani concluded, “We are not saying good-bye to Israel, we are just focusing more on the future development of our youth program and moving things around a bit in order to keep things fresh and innovative”.

 “I want to thank Shashi (Vaswani) and the entire Heat organization for the opportunity afforded to me back in 2005 and I am happy for the success that we had as an organization and for having been part of the process and feel privileged to have coached so many great players, thanks to them for making me successful”, said Collazo.

 “I learned plenty over the past seven years, from all of our wins and losses and appearances in the PDL Finals. I wish all the best to Fernando and there is no doubt in my mind that the success will continue for the senior club”.

 Collazo concluded, “I will still be around and will be focused on the youth development side of things, something that I have done before and definitely something that I enjoy doing”.

Outside from being Collazo’s assistant for the past five years with the Heat, Head Coach Fernando Hernandez brings a wealth of coaching experience from his past in Mexico (Monterrey). Hernandez holds several coaching licenses from Mexico including the equivalent of a United States “A” License that allows him to be eligible to coach in Mexico’s First Division. 

“I am looking forward to the challenge and I want to thank Shashi for the opportunity that he has trusted me with”, mentioned Hernandez.

 “Being alongside Israel over the years has taught me a whole lot about coaching and the style of play here in the United States”.

 Hernandez concluded, “I promise to all current and future Heat players that we will continue to bring the intensity that we are known for as a club and that we will continue to give top players the opportunity to continue their growth as soccer players and individuals. At this time, I also would like to thank Israel for the foundation that has been laid and I feel comfortable that we will continue being successful both on and off the field”.

 About the PDL

 The top U23 men’s league in North America, the PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping-stone for top professionals now playing throughout the world.

 United Soccer Leagues

Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, United Soccer Leagues has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (USL Super Y-League/USL Super-20 League), continuing through the amateur level (USL Premier Development League/USL W-League) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USL PRO, I-League). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.

For additional information on the Laredo Heat Soccer Club, please visit our website at www.laredoheatsc.com or call the Heat office at 723 – 4700.

(Laredo, Tx)- The Laredo Independent School District’s Athletic Department announces the sale of tickets for the annual Martin-Nixon football game, which will be played on Saturday, November 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the new Shirley Field Sports Complex. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 31.

 Reserved tickets for the game can be purchased at the Athletic Department’s office at Shirley Field at the North End Zone. The athletic office is open Monday- Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 Reserved tickets will be sold for $7.00. Also, general admission tickets will be sold at each school the week prior to the game for $6.00. Admission for students with ID card $3.00. Tickets at the gate on game day will sell for $7.00.

 During the annual game, LISD will celebrate the opening of the new Shirley Field Sports Complex with a Parade of Former Athletes prior to kickoff and a dedication ceremony during halftime.

 Former athletes from Martin, Nixon and Cigarroa High Schools are invited to participate in the parade. The parade of former athletes will start promptly at 6:15 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete a registration form which is available on the LISD website at www.lareodisd.org. Registration forms are due to the LISD Office of Communications no later than Tuesday, November 1.

 Also, the LISD Police Department will be conducting security checks at all entrances. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. Parking will be available at Martin High School, Christen Middle School, Leyendecker Elementary School and Veterans Field.