Mariachi Herencia de México made history at Soldier Field during Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season, becoming the first mariachi ensemble to perform the United States national anthem before a game at the historic Chicago venue. The historic rendition took place on Monday, September 28, 2026, ahead of the matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles.
A Historic Anthem at Soldier Field
The Chicago-based group, which has earned two Latin Grammy nominations, stepped onto the field to deliver an unprecedented performance. According to reports from the venue, no mariachi group had ever performed the national anthem at Soldier Field prior to Monday night’s contest.
The performance anchored a slate of pregame events designed to honor Hispanic heritage in the region. The Chicago Bears organized the evening under the banner of “Vamos Bears,” an initiative specifically created to recognize the cultural footprint and growing influence of the Latin community throughout Chicago.
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Latino Heritage Celebrations Expand to Halftime
The cultural showcase extended well beyond the opening whistle. During the halftime intermission, the franchise staged a musical production highlighting the deep history and widespread reach of Latin music genres in Chicago.
The halftime program featured an appearance by actress, singer, and playwright Sandra Delgado. Her performance served as a musical journey through several Latin musical traditions, incorporating prominent rhythms such as salsa and cumbia alongside other regional sounds.

In the stands and on the concourses, the team distributed portable flags featuring the “Vamos Bears” message. Fans participated in interactive activities that highlighted the connection between the NFL franchise and the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Local Students Serve as Honorary Captains
The tribute to the local community also highlighted youth leadership from the Chicago area. Two high school students were selected as honorary captains for the pregame coin toss.
Alison Segarra, representing Amundsen High School, and Alejandro Gonzalez, representing Dundee-Crown High School, were honored as youth leaders of the Bears’ Latino Heritage Month celebration. Both students joined on the field for the ceremonial flip before kickoff.
The Monday night game concluded a significant week of community-focused events for the organization, cementing a landmark evening for both the franchise and the history of sports entertainment at Soldier Field.
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