Historic Mariachi Performance of US National Anthem at NFL Game Makes History

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.

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.

Mariachi Herencia de México
Photo: elvocero.com

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.

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MÉXICO: NATIONAL ANTHEM: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES VS. CHICAGO BEARS: NFL WEEK 3: SEP

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.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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