On June 7, Jackson Heights will be abuzz, and a sea of yellow, blue and red will engulf Roosevelt Avenue. The excitement in the Ecuadorian community is mounting for the upcoming match against Greece at Citi Field. A history of disappointing play has done little to quell the passion of their fans.
“Ecuadorians get crazy excited,” said Edilma Gandhi, 55, from Jackson Heights. “They are always jumping, shouting and drinking. I can’t wait to join them!”
A zealous fan base will be even livelier because of the rare opportunity to watch their country’s team so close to home.
“This is the first time they are playing in Queens,” said Jose Mogrobejo, a 40-year-old Elmhurst resident who has already purchased his tickets to the game. “I used to have to go to New Jersey or Connecticut, but now I can walk to the game.”
Mogrobejo purchased his tickets at Delgado Travel, at 79-08 Roosevelt Avenue. Delgado Travel is one of the leading Ecuadorian travel agencies in New York City, and they offer phone, money wiring and shipping services to Ecuador and sell Ecuadorian newspapers.
“Most of the Ecuadorians in the neighborhood come to us,” said Jeanette Delgado-Savino, the vice president of Delgado Travel. “During the days and weekends, this is where Ecuadorians come and meet.”
For these reasons, Citi Field approached Delgado Travel and asked them to sell approximately 6,000 tickets to the game at their 22 agencies across New York. Thus far, 700 tickets have been sold. Delgado Travel has been selling tickets to Ecuador games in the Tri-State area for the past five years, and according to Delgado-Savino, they rarely have tickets left over and sales will get “insane” as the game approaches.
“Just like here, like Americans are with football, Ecuadorians take pride in their soccer,” said Delgado-Savino. “People march up and down Roosevelt Avenue with their flags. They’ll probably be a parade if they win!” – Michael A. Pantelidis
