DETROIT - The Detroit Lions announced today they are transforming Pride Plaza, their free pre-game tailgate on Brush Street, into Plaza de los Leones presented by Bud Light to recognize Latino Heritage Month during their Week 2 regular season game at Ford Field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Kickoff 1 PM).
The festivities will be from 10 AM to 1 PM, with Executive Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) Angela Reyes as the event's emcee for Latino heritage programming. Plaza de los Leones presented by Bud Light will acknowledge and honor the Latino heritage within Detroit through traditional dance performances, live music, interactive activities and informative discussions on Latino culture:
- Ballet Folklorico Detroit: The traditional Mexican youth dance group will perform with the Detroit Lions drumline Honolulu Boom along Adams Street (10:30 AM) and move into the Gate A Atrium for a second performance with Honolulu Boom and the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders.
- Salsa & Bachata Dance Lessons: Fans will have the opportunity to participate in 15-minute Salsa (11:05 AM) and Bachata (11:40 AM) dance lessons on the stage, taught by Mino Bachatero.
- Mariachi Femenil Detroit: Detroit's first all-female mariachi band will perform on the stage (11:30 AM) and throughout the plaza.
- Live Art: Local Detroit artist, Natalie Rivera, will live-paint a piece featuring Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown depicted as the Aztec Sun God, Huitzilopochtli. The commissioned piece will be auctioned off on the Detroit Lions Foundation auction site with proceeds benefitting DHDC.
- Face Painting: Face Painter Miracle Wetoskey will bring the celebration of art to life on fans faces.
- Low Rider Display: Two low rider vehicles will be on display near the Ford activation, with details on how low rider vehicles are important to the community. Additionally, Ford will be displaying their new performance street truck, the 2025 Ford Maverick Lobo, which brings on-road performance, unique design and value to city streets.
- Local Media Student Collaboration: The Lions have teamed up with Henry Ford College student David Branch to provide event coverage highlighting the Lions' celebration of the Latino heritage and culture in Detroit.
As part of the celebration, Diana Flores, star quarterback of Mexico's gold medal-winning Women's Flag Football National Team, has been chosen to serve as Honorary Captain and will join the Lions players for the coin toss. Since she was 8 years old, Flores has had a passion for the game and led her team to gold at the 2022 World Games. She is a Global Flag Football ambassador for the NFL and IFAF (International Federation of American Football), promoting the sport as a 2028 Olympic sport, and hopes to be an inspiration for the next generation of Lions fans.
Other gameday elements include Sunday's presentation of Hometown Hero, which will include an on-field recognition of former United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Cynthia Dixon as the game's honoree for her courageous military service to our nation. After completing her enlistment of nine years (2008-2017), Dixon returned home to Southwest Detroit to create positive change in her community by serving at Santos Church located in the heart of Mexican Town as the Mission and Outreach Coordinator and Admin of the Church.
