The Road to 26 series kicks off the Summer of Soccer in the region with an international friendly between the Argentina and Honduras national football teams in College Station on June 6. This is more than just a warm-up match, it’s a major moment for Texas soccer culture.
Get tickets now for this match in sections 120, row 40; section 121, row 37; or Section 348, rows 19-21 by contacting info@duranconcepts.com.
With Argentina bringing global attention, passionate supporters, and world-class talent to Aggieland, the match highlights how Texas continues to grow as a premier destination for international soccer.
According to KBTX3, the event “could generate $10 million in economic impact,” with Assistant Director of Tourism for the City of College Station Jeremiah Cook stating that number is on the minimum side, with the match expecting to draw more than 85,000 fans. A previous 2024 international match at Kyle Field, Mexico v. Brazil, paved the way for the City of College Station to financially invest in next month’s match.
For Honduras, the game offers a valuable opportunity to compete against one of the world’s elite programs while energizing its strong fanbase across the state. According to the Houston Chronicle, “tens of thousands [of Hondurans] have settled in and around Houston over the last decade-plus, making the Bayou City home to one of the largest Honduran communities in the country.” Hondurans could now be “the second-largest immigrant group in Harris County, roughly equal in population to Salvadorans.”
The friendly also serves as a preview of the excitement building ahead of the global tournament, when millions of fans will turn their attention to the United States, Mexico and Canada. Events like this showcase the power of soccer to connect cultures, unite communities, and generate economic and cultural impact far beyond the pitch.
For College Station, hosting a match of this magnitude places the city on the international soccer map during one of its slower months. The Mexico v. Brazil match in 2024 brought “an estimated over $21 million into the city,” according to KAG, and is part of a plan for the city’s tourism department. The match brings together fans, families, students, and visitors for a celebration of the global game right in the heart of Texas.
As Houston prepares to welcome the world for the global soccer spotlight, business and community leaders came together for Soccer Diplomacy: Houston Meets Europe — an evening focused on international connection, culture, and opportunity.
The event brought together representatives from four European nations expected to play in Houston: The Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, and Germany. Through the “Houston Meets Europe – Let’s Talk Business” discussion, speakers explored opportunities for trade, tourism, fan engagement, and international partnerships.
Major Panel Takeaways
The Netherlands is Houston’s leading trade partner, with approximately $31.9 Billion in trade driven by energy, oil and gas sectors
Germany continues to be a massive investor in Texas with companies reporting 159 recent capital projects
Sweden just reopened the Consulate General of Sweden in Houston and now has approximately 90 companies operating in Texas
Portugal is emerging as a growing European tourism and investment partner for the region
The conversation continued with “Houston Meets Europe – Let’s Talk Soccer,” a fireside-style discussion featuring Victor Araiz of CONCACAF and Dennis Kroeze of FC Dutch Lions. Insights included European soccer culture, passionate fan traditions, iconic rivalries, and what Houston audiences can expect when international supporters arrive in the city.
Attendees also gained practical insights during “One Month to Go – What You Need to Know,” a business readiness session designed to help companies prepare for the influx of visitors and activity surrounding the tournament. Experts in event strategy, venues, digital marketing, and transportation shared recommendations for maximizing opportunities before kickoff.
Major Session Takeaway
For Houstonians and tourists alike, cultural intelligence and sensitivity will be essential. As international fans arrive with their own different traditions, customs and expectations, understanding and embracing those differences will help create a more welcoming and memorable experience for everyone.
The evening concluded with networking, cultural experiences, vendor booths, and conversations that connect Houston’s business, sports, and community leaders with global partners.
Opportunities extend outside the fandom and sport and bleed into business but it will be important to understand cultural nuances and effectively communicate with fans visiting Houston.
As the night went on, the lights came on, the music got louder, and the barrio showed up once again. Divine Art Coalition’s Futbolito en el Barrio isn’t just about goals and highlights…it is about community, culture, and bringing people together through the game we all love.
What makes Futbolito special is the atmosphere. The laughter and joy, the celebrations after every golazo, the music echoing through the pavilion, and the feeling that everyone belongs there.
In addition to the 1v1 panna tournament and freestyle exhibition, where @streetpanna, @groovyami, @zostyler, @zeinkhitamy, @c.qaddouri, @freestyle_jrd and others showed their moves. There also was a live mural painting, print gallery, raffle and silent auction to raise funds for the upcoming Futbolito Street Cup in June.
Duran Concepts was proud to be a sponsor and to witness yet another reminder that the barrio always wins when the community comes together.
See you at the next one. For sponsorship opportunities for the Futbolito Street Cup this summer, contact info@duranconcepts.com
Houston, Texas — Duran Concepts is proud to announce a new collaboration with content creators Yudy Gómez and Roger Acevedo, better known digitally as Aventuras Yu y Ro, one of Houston’s most recognizable Hispanic voices in travel, culture, and summer of soccer lifestyle content across the United States.
The collaboration comes at a major moment for Houston as the city prepares to welcome international visitors ahead of the biggest soccer event in the world.
With more than 350,000 global followers across social media platforms, Aventuras Yu y Ro have built a loyal audience through authentic storytelling and real-life travel experiences, showing what cities are truly like — where to eat, what to do, how to move around, and how each destination actually feels.
The creators are currently leading El Parche Mundialista, a digital content series focused on the U.S. host cities, including Houston, for the summer of soccer. The project highlights everything happening outside the stadiums — from local culture and small businesses to fan experiences, gastronomy, and the energy transforming each city ahead of the tournament.
“Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country and an essential part of the summer of soccer experience,” said Maria Duran, founder of Duran Concepts. “Yudy and Roger are creating a genuine connection with the Hispanic community by showing the city and the upcoming tournament from a real cultural and community-driven perspective.”
Through this collaboration, Duran Concepts and Aventuras Yu y Ro will develop content and experiences focused on showcasing Houston’s multicultural identity, local businesses, and the city’s role as one of the leading destinations this summer.
About Duran Concepts Duran Concepts is a Houston-based multicultural and sports marketing agency specializing in brand activations, fan engagement, and community-focused campaigns. The agency connects organizations with diverse audiences through authentic and impactful experiences.
About Aventuras Yu y Ro Aventuras Yu y Ro is the digital platform created by content creators Yudy Gómez and Roger Acevedo. Through social media, they share travel experiences, city guides, food recommendations, and cultural storytelling across the United States. They are currently developing El Parche Mundialista, a digital series documenting the cities hosting the summer of soccer tournament in the United States.
As Houston prepares for a historic Summer of Soccer, restaurant owners, community members and soccer supporters came together to Get Summer of Soccer Ready. The first Masterclass gave attendees practical resources and insights on licensing, marketing, menu development and partnership opportunities, while creating a space to ask questions, exchange ideas and build community.
L-R: Betirri, Marlen Esparza, Maria Duran – Photo Credit: Amy Tetzintla
It was an honor to have two Olympians and hometown athletes, Marlen Esparza and Emily Chan, join us virtually and in-person at the unveiling of the “Female Power” mural by Betirri.
Fans were able to meet Marlen and learn about her upcoming world title fight on June 19th.
We want to thank the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation for commissioning this powerful piece of public art and all the elected officials that came out to support art in our hometown.
Mayor Jeff Wagner, CM Thomas Schoenbein, CM-Elect Pat Van Houte, Pasadena ISD Trustee-Elect Paola Gonzalez Fusilier, and Pasadena ISD Trustee-Elect Crystal Davila.
We look forward to hosting more art + sports focused community events in the near future.
A special shout out to Bianca Bucaram of Bucaram PR Group for making this event a success with incredible media coverage.
Visit the mural & share your pictures on Instagram using #femalepower #pasadenaart & tag @artistbetirri @marlen_esparza & @duranconcepts
You’re invited to the unveiling of Betirri’s latest mural in Pasadena, TX. Learn the inspiration behind this mural and meet one of the featured athletes: Pasadena native, boxer and Olympic medalist Marlen Esparza.This public art piece was commissioned by the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation
Due to COVID guidelines, we will have sanitizer & masks on hand. We ask you everyone to network responsibly at this outdoor event.
We want to thank Prospanica Houston for being an incredible partner on our first ArtFutbolHTX event of 2019. This event highlights our diversity and what Houston is known for: art, sports and networking at the hottest spots in town.
Together we kicked off the 2019 Houston Dynamo season, learned more about Prospanica’s programming for the year, and celebrated the latest mural by local visual artist Betirri. Pitch 25 Beer Park’s owner and former Dynamo player, Brian Ching, was in attendance for the signing of the mural he commissioned.
Guests enjoyed lite bites by the incredible kitchen staff at Pitch 25 as well as signature cocktails and beers from the impressive selection they have on tap. At the end of the night some guests won door prizes ranging from a limited edition Betirri designed & autographed shirt to tickets to upcoming Houston Dynamo and Gold Cup games.
LOOKING FOR AN ACTIVITY TO ENROLL YOUR KIDS DURING THE THANKSGIVING DAY BREAK? WE ARE HOSTING A 3 DAY SOCCER CAMP FOR KIDS 4-12YRS OLD.
The Thanksgiving Day Soccer Camp consists of 3 half days designed for beginners and experienced boys and girls ages 4-12. Campers are placed into their groups according to age & ability so as to have fun with young players while also teaching them the skills they need for improved soccer success.
DATES: Monday, November 19 – Wednesday, November 21
TIME: 9am-12pm
LOCATION: BakerRipley Cleveland Campus
ADDRESS: 720 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77504
*** To register call 713.944.9186 or in person at Cleveland Ripley
What is included with the camp fee?
Camp Shirt (One of four colors)
Lunch
Drinks & Snack
Player Evaluation
Indoor or Outdoor? The majority of the camp day will be outside, but some activities may rotate inside for an indoor experience, also contingent on weather. Campers will have frequent breaks.
How are players grouped? We start with the age of the player and after a quick evaluation, we can move them to a group that will challenge them.
Campers Should Bring
Flat Surfaced Shoes (cleats can be worn on the grass surfaces, but not indoor – bring both in case of weather)
Reusable Water Bottle
Shin Guards
Techniques Covered During Camp
Each day the coaches will take the players through an age appropriate progressive series of fun skill building practices from unopposed, to opposed, game related and finally into a game.
Soccer ABC – Players will improve their Agility, Balance and Coordination.
Dribbling – improve the ability to change direction and move at speed.
Passing – improve accuracy, pace and 1st touch control.
Shooting – improve power and placement with each foot.
Defending – improve defending skills and learn how to defend.
Games – play actual games in small sided environments using the skills learned above.
This was the first time a Salvadoran film was screened at the museum and guests were treated to a welcome reception by filmmaker Javier Kafie, who traveled to Houston for the occasion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of 2017, there area total of 129,000 Salvadorans in the Houston Metropolitan area. Salvadorans make up the largest group in the Central American community residing in the city.
Michelle Tovar, the Associate Director of Education – Spanish Outreach and Latin American Initiatives at the Holocaust Museum Houston opened the evening discussing the museum’s Latin Initiatives Advisory Committee (LIAC) and it’s aim to highlight untold stories promoting responsible individual behavior, cultivating civility and pursuing social justice. Through collaboration with institutions and scholars throughout Latin America, dedicated to human rights, genocide, and Holocaust education, as well as to contemporary challenges, Holocaust Museum Houston will develop curriculum and resources that will be accessible for educators throughout the United States and Latin America.
Maria Vilma Duran, LIAC member and founder of the Central American Collective (CAC), shared the vision of CAC along with a partnership with Javier Kafie for his upcoming project.
Cuatro Puntos Cardinales took the audience on a beautiful trip immersing everyone into the stories from the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of El Salvador. The film showcased the cultural, social and ecological diversity of the Central American region after the Salvadoran Civil War through the lens of the filmmaker.
The evening ended with a very special Q&A with filmmaker Javier where he shared stories about his life, the inspiration behind the film, and the impact it continues to have with audiences across the world.
115 Shaver St., Pasadena, TX 77506
Due to COVID guidelines, we will have sanitizer & masks on hand. We ask you everyone to network responsibly at this outdoor event.
