Tribal ‘Coachella Crossroads” hosts inaugural soccer game

A new 47-acre site in Coachella envisioned as an outdoor venue for sporting and cultural events will host its first event today, with soccer games from local youth teams.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians broke ground earlier this year at Coachella Crossroads, situated near the Spotlight 29 Casino, which is also owned and operated by the Twenty-Nine Palms tribe.

Tribal leaders see the site as a potential venue for sporting events and live music, with a vast expanse of grass suitable for soccer games like Thursday’s event, or music festivals similar to the annual Coachella and Stagecoach festivals hosted at the nearby Empire Polo Grounds in Indio.

Boys and girls from two local soccer teams will take the field starting at 6 p.m.

“We are excited about Coachella Crossroads, our newest outdoor entertainment and recreational venture,” Tribal Chairman Darrell Mike said. “Both our tribe and dedicated team members look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far.”