The City recently honored international musical artist Vicente Fernández with a street renaming ceremony at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena this past August.
Fernández’s command of ranchera and mariachi styles of music attracted fans far beyond Mexico’s borders into right here in the City of Pico Rivera. Many residents here can recall hearing his music at home or at a family member’s house, or in person at one of the many live shows held at concert venues throughout Southern California, including the Pico Rivera Sports Arena.
Each performance at the Sports Arena drew thousands of residents and concertgoers to the City, proving Fernández was a beloved figure among area residents, regardless of age.
To honor Fernández’s legacy, City officials held a special street renaming ceremony, formally renaming Sports Arena Drive to Avenida Vicente Fernández, after the beloved musician. The ceremony was attended by Vicente Fernández Jr., the singer’s eldest child, and his wife, Mariana, who flew in from Mexico specifically to join in the celebration honoring his father. State and local elected officials also attended the ceremony, providing certificates and proclamations to Vicente Jr., in recognition of the event.
The idea of honoring Vicente Fernández was first made in 2019 when a City delegation traveled to Mexico to meet with Fernández at his ranch to present the concept of a street naming at the Sports Arena. Fernández initially approved of the idea but sadly passed away before the City could take any action. Upon the announcement of his death this past December, a motion was introduced during a City Council meeting held in December 2021, to rename Sports Arena Drive after the late singer. On May 10, 2022, the City Council formally voted to rename Sports Arena Drive, the primary entrance to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, to Avenida Vicente Fernández.
The legacy of Fernández’s music and his impression on concert attendees at the Sports Arena will forever live on in the City.
