Pico Rivera Renames Local Street in Honor of Icon Vicente Fernandez

The City of Pico Rivera honored International Musical artist Vicente Fernández today with a street renaming ceremony at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena. “Chente,” as he was known to many fans, played several concerts at this legendary venue. Sports Arena Drive, which is the primary entrance to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, was officially renamed Avenida Vicente Fernandez, in honor of the late Mexican singer. Vicente Fernández Jr., the singer’s eldest child, and his wife, Mariana flew in from Mexico specifically to join in the celebration honoring his father.

“The City of Pico Rivera is honored to pay tribute to this legendary singer and international star with this street renaming,” said Mayor Dr. Monica Sanchez. “With Vicente Fernández performing numerous shows at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, we as the City Council felt it was appropriate to honor Vicente with his own street that leads to the very venue where he performed countless times for thousands of loyal fans.”

The idea of honoring Vicente Fernández was first made by Councilmember Gustavo Camacho who traveled with a delegation to Mexico in 2019 to meet with Fernández to present the concept of a street naming at the Sports Arena. Fernández approved the idea but passed away before the city could act. Upon the announcement of his death, Councilmember Camacho introduced a motion during a city council meeting to rename Sports Arena Drive after the singer. On May 10, 2022, the city council formally voted to rename Sports Arena Drive, which is the primary entrance to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, to Avenida Vicente Fernández.

“Knowing of his popularity with the residents of Pico Rivera, the region, and his direct connection with the city via his numerous performances at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, it made sense to honor this renowned artist and singer,” said Gustavo Camacho, Pico Rivera Councilmember. “Each performance drew thousands of residents and concertgoers to the city, proving the singer was a beloved figure among area residents, regardless of age, and music preference. I join my colleagues on the city council, the residents of Pico Rivera, and the numerous fans around the world in celebrating this very special tribute to an international icon.”

Fernández was a Mexican singer, songwriter, actor, and film producer. Nicknamed "Chente" (short for Vicente), he started his career as a busker and went on to become a cultural icon having recorded more than 100 albums and contributing to more than 30 films. His repertoire consisted of rancheras and other Mexican classics. Fernández's work earned him four Grammy Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards, 14 Los Nuestros Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He sold over 65 million copies worldwide, making him one of the best-selling regional Mexican artists of all time. In his 50-year career, he recorded more than 80 albums and more than 300 songs. He was best known for his songs "Volver, Volver," "Por Tu Maldito Amor," and "El Rey."

With his trademark Charro outfit, wide sombrero, and impeccable backing mariachi ensemble, he has performed on the world’s biggest and most prestigious stages. He’s headlined shows from Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional and Plaza de Toros to New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

The City of Pico Rivera made the street name change official during a ceremony on Friday, August 26, 2022, that was held in front of the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, at the corner of Sports Arena Drive, and Rooks Road. Sports Arena Drive from this day forward will be known as Avenida Vicente Fernández. Joining the city in its tribute to Fernández were Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, State Senator Bob Archuleta and Assemblymember Cristina Garcia.