Tucson Baseball Team’s visa delays lead to game cancellations
By KVOA Web Staff
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TUCSON, Arizona (KVOA) — The Tucson Baseball Team has canceled its second homestand at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium due to ongoing issues with the U.S. visa process for team officers and players.
Originally, the team was set to face the Yaquis de Obregón in a three-game series from Oct. 24-26. However, these matches will now take place at the Yaquis de Obregón’s home stadium, according to a news release.
The team, which recently relocated from Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico, is in its first season in the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacifico (LAMP). The team had already canceled its home-opening series scheduled for Oct. 16 due to similar visa complications.
Victor Cuevas Sr., the team owner, reported that the U.S. Consulate General in Hermosillo communicated on Oct. 3 that the B1/B2 visas issued were not appropriate for the team’s operations now based in Tucson.
The Cuevas family expressed dedication to resolving the visa issues and maintaining their Tucson base in the LAMP.
“We have been in daily contact with the Cuevas family as they continue to work with the federal government to resolve their visa issues,” said Sarah Horvath, director of the Kino Sports Complex and Stadium District. “Pima County and our partners continue to support them in their efforts.”
Pima County, Visit Tucson and the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism, & Film Authority have collectively sent a letter to the U.S. Consul General in Hermosillo advocating for the team.
Currently, the team is playing its regular season games at the stadiums of its scheduled opponents. Tucson’s debut in the LAMP took place in Hermosillo on Oct. 15.
The team’s next planned home series at Kino Stadium is set for Oct. 31.
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