Miller Lite Fútbol Festivals kick off Gold Cup Tournament.

Miller Lite announced it will host a variety of Festivals de Fútbol (soccer festivals) to kick off the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in each host city, as well as in other key Hispanic markets. Beginning today in Miami, Miller Lite is bringing the party to Hispanic soccer fans at the club La Covacha, beginning at 7 p.m., where legal-drinking-age-consumers will be treated to a free concert by the “salsa gentleman,” Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Each festival will begin in the late afternoon and will feature a variety of regional and national musical acts, authentic food and interactive soccer experiences. The festivals are open to anyone 21 or older. Other key markets, dates and locations for the Festivals de Fútbol include:

— Chicago – June 3 at Plaza Garibaldi, featuring an appearance by Jorge Campos
— San Antonio – June 9 at Rosedale Park, to benefit the Holy Family Catholic Church
— Dallas – June 8 in the Automobile Building at Dallas Fair Park
— Houston – June 13 at Reliant Stadium, featuring an appearance by Jorge Campos

“These Festivals de Fútbol are a great way to take the party directly to the Hispanic soccer fan on their own turf,” said Michael Hand, Miller’s director of Hispanic promotions. “Featuring regional musical acts, authentic cuisine and a variety of soccer skills challenges, each festival will link to our Gold Cup theme of ‘United with Passion’ (Unidos con Pasión). It started with MillerLiteLatino.com and will continue throughout the tournament at each of these events.”

Additionally, Miller Lite will be providing fans with a unique experience prior to and after the games by hosting Miller Lite Gold Zones in each market. This near-stadium destination will deliver an exciting cultural experience, with an interactive area that embodies the intensity of shared Hispanic passions: soccer and music, food and beer.

These premier hospitality experiences will feature many of the same elements of the Festivals de Fútbol and will take place within the respective game day Stadium/Field environment. It will be open approximately three hours prior to the start of the game depending on the time of kickoff. A total of ten Miller Lite Gold Zones will take place throughout the tournament; markets include Los Angeles, New York, Houston and Chicago

Last month Miller Lite announced the launch of its first ever Hispanic web site – also a part of its overall sponsorship of the Gold Cup. MillerLiteLatino.com is the brand’s online hub and houses all Miller Lite Hispanic promotions, interactive content, product information and advertising.