euskalkultura.eus

The Mexico Fronton closed in 1996, and since hasn’t had any jai-alai activity.  That is how it will continue until February 15th, when the remodeling is said to be done,. Situated near the Paseo de la Reforma, in a central location of the Mexico City's megalopolis, its owner Antonio Cosio Ariño is investing 50 million dollars in the project.  Article in Deia by Igor G. Vico. 

Igor G. Vico. The jai-alai court has a total of 2,000 seats, and is undergoing a complete facelift, on the inside since its facade is considered to be a historic building.  As part of the remodeling project, retractable bleachers are planned in order to accommodate various activities, from concerts to basketball games, or boxing matches.  Although it is considered as a multipurpose courts, the main activity will be that as a fronton for Jai Alai.  Nevertheless, a hotel is also in the plans, along with a casino and restaurants.

Even though the inauguration is planned for mid-February, although it is an estimated date giving the broad nature of work to be done, officials from the Fronton Mexico, that is owned by Cosio, traveled to the Basque Country last week to meet the pilotaris and to establish a new players team that will play at the Mexican court under good working conditions.

Jose Ignacio Puertas Maiz, chief of operations of the business and a trusted agent of Cosio, his colleague Jon Andoni Ruiz de Azua, future intendent Pedro Andrinua and Mikel Egiguren, selected as the representative of the operation in Europe for his knowledge of the specialty, went to the Fronton in Gernika Jai Alai last week's Tuesday, and on Wednesday to Jostaldi in Hondarribia to choose, among more than 50 youth, the next professionals on American lands. They were welcomed by oficials of the Basque Government and the town hall in Gipuzkoa.

BROAD SCOUTING - The ambassadors from the Mexico Fronton considered athletes from the ages of 18 to professionals who are already enshrined in the long Fronton.  In fact, Mikel Egiguren, himself, Jai Alai Champion of the World Tour 2016; Jean Olharan, Xabi Inza, Jon Tambourindeguy, Nicolas Etcheto and Christophe Olha, present in the past Basque circuit have already been contacted by the promoter.  In addition, Julen del Río, Ekhi Martínez, Aarón González, Irigoyen, Portet, Businelo, Ladutxe, Itsague and Salaberry will make their debut in the elite remodeled Mexican cancha.

Gotzon Enbil, Jai Alai Champion World Tour 2016; Eric Irastorza, David Minvielle, and Ibai Erkiaga, from Lekeitio, are also having conversations with the representatives of the project to travel to Mexico City in February.  Imanol Lopez, who lives there, and considered as one of the most decisive defenders of the planet, is part of the range of possibilities to brighten up the company’s staff.

In all, the hope is to have 30 pilotaris at the Fronton Mexico, and maybe even more.  Nearly a dozen of the athletes will be local, due to the cannon established in advance.  Among these are, Daniel Inclán or Alejandro Ituarte, distinguished in their country, will be at the lead.

The pre-contract signed by the pilotaris extends from February to June: that leaves the option to return to Euskal Herria in the summer.  Even the calendar has been planned with that intention.  So, in 2017, the season will be shorter but the company could extend it in the coming years to six or eight months.

Weekly activity is also organized in four segments – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, with three events a day.  In this way, there will be short pools at the beginning of the day, so they won’t opt for the US classic formula.  On the other hand, the tournament calendar is yet to be determined.

(Originally published in Deia)