Jalisco Open
Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, ranked 69th in the world, will be the number one seed in the second ATP Jalisco Open tennis tournament that gets underway on Monday, March 12 at the Telcel Tennis Center in Zapopan’s Parque Metropolitano (Economos and Los Naranjos).
Other top 100 names in the 32-player field are France’s Edouard Roger-Vasselin (95th) and Germany’s Matthias Bachinger (92nd). There are three U.S. players in the draw: Michael Yani (186th), Robby Ginepri (129th) and Rajeev Ram (151st). The sole Canadian is Vasek Pospisil (111st).
The first two rounds take place Monday, March 12 through Thursday, March 16, with play starting at 2 p.m. on each day. Entrance on all these days is free.
The quarter-finals will be played on Friday, March 16, the semis on Saturday, March 17 and the final on Sunday, March 18. Again, play begins at 2 p.m. Tickets on these days are 25 or 50 pesos. VIP seating costs 150 pesos and a skybox 350 pesos. Tickets will be sold at the gate.
Parking in the center’s underground lot will cost 50 pesos a day. For more information about the event call (33) 1202-0877.
Mercado del Mar
For the freshest Lenten seafood head to the Mercado del Mar (fish market) at Av. Los Laureles and Prolongacion Pino Suarez, less than a kilometer from the Zapopan Centro.
Bullfight
The first bullfighting season of the year is in full swing. Elegantly dressed matadors will step into Guadalajara’s 16,000-capacity bullring on Sunday, March 4, 4.30 p.m. and again at the same time the following Sunday (March 11). While controversial, this pastime still remains an undeniable part of Mexican culture. For those without reservations and qualms, it offers a unique experience.
The Nuevo Progreso Plaza del Toros is on Pirineos 1930 in Colonia Monumental (across from the Jalisco Stadium on the Calzada Independencia). Tickets cost 350-950 pesos.
Toy exhibition
As of this week, the Trompo Magico children’s museum is hosting a posthumous tribute to architect Jose Manuel Orozco Nuno by displaying his extensive collection of scale models. Arranged by his family, the exhibition features 400 toy ships, trains, bicycles, motorbikes, automobiles, airplanes and helicopters. The exhibition is included in the price of general admission to the museum, which is 40 pesos. The Trompo Magico Museo Interactivo is located on Avenida Central 750 in Zapopan. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Experimental dance
The Laboratorio de Artes Variedades (LArVa) presents “Caliche,” a production by experimental dance group Anzar from the University of Guadalajara. It is a poetic, imaginative work that explores the body, senses, feelings and relationships, and features a horse named “Kraken.” LArVa is located on Ocampo 120 in the Centro Historico. Caliche will be presented on March 3, 9, 10, 23 and 24 at 8.30 p.m. Tickets cost 80 pesos. To book in advance call 3826-8119
Divers eye Olympic medals
Guadalajara has a real chance of winning medals in the 2012 London Olympic Games after Tapatio divers German Sanchez and Ivan Garcia won silver at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Diving World Cup last week. The pair came second behind the Chinese in the synchronized diving, thus sealing their place in the Olympics. The 18th Diving World Cup was held in London this year and served as a qualifying event for the summer games.