Mérida, Yucatán — The Leones de Yucatán baseball team unveiled the renamed Parque Kukulcán Álamo, or Kukulcán Alamo Park, to a sold-out event at the 2015 Mexican Baseball League All-Star Game.
This is the first time the stadium, nicknamed the “cathedral of baseball,” has changed its name since opening in 1982.
The name change follows a sponsorship agreement with Alamo Rent A Car, the largest car rental provider to international travelers visiting North America. Although the name Alamo recalls a famous battle in Texas against the Mexican Army, the company is based in Clayton, Mo., and was founded in Florida in 1974.
“The idea is to do everything possible so that the stadium is up to Major League standards, focusing on convenience for our fans,” said Erick Arellano Hernandez, the team’s owner. “This work will be done gradually over the next few years.”
Arellano Hernandez added that the agreement will strengthen the Lions — as they are known in English — as an organization as well as the stadium. The sponsorship allows the organization to retain top caliber baseball players and to continue making improvements to the stadium for the benefit of all Lions fans. The stadium also hosts important special events, such as concerts and internationally renowned performances.
The new name of the Lions’ home stadium was presented by Gov. Rolando Zapata; Plinio Escalante Bolio, the president of the Mexican Baseball League; Juan Jose and Erick Arellano Hernandez, the owners of the Leones de Yucatán; and Rob Connors, vice president of brand marketing for Alamo.
“It was an honor to attend the All-Star game at Parque Kukulcán Álamo on behalf of Alamo Rent A Car,” said Connors. “The ball park is a great facility and our partnership demonstrates how Alamo Rent A Car supports the communities in which it operates and our customers’ passions.”
Financial terms were not disclosed.
With its recent expansion into Paraguay, Alamo reach in Latin America and the Caribbean now includes 24 countries and territories, as well as locations throughout North America and Asia.
Kukulcán is a Maya god whose name translates to “plumed serpent.”
