Shakira’s sold-out stadium concert proves Latin music’s drawing power in Fresno
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Shakira’s Fresno concert marked Valley Children’s Stadium’s debut as a music venue
- Fresno venues show high demand for Latin music acts, with repeated sellouts
- Concertgoers show strong interest in stadium shows for Latin stars like Bad Bunny
Shakira’s performance at Valley Children’s Stadium left its mark on Fresno’s entertainment history, not only for being the city’s largest-ever concert in one night, but because it proved the success and drawing power of Latin artists in the Central Valley.
Latino concertgoers who attended Thursday’s sold-out concert say they want more Latin acts to perform at the Fresno State football stadium.
Fresno is no stranger to big Latino acts. Save Mart Center has consistently sold out top Latin artists such as Mana, Peso Pluma and Junior H. The venue’s capacity for concerts ranges from 13,000 to 15,000 seats, depending on the staging.
The list of Latin acts to perform in Fresno in recent years is impressive and continues to grow. Some names include Marco Antonio Solis, Ramon Ayala, Romeo Santos, Juanes, Vicente Fernandez, RBD, Gloria Trevi, Luis Miguel, Chayanne, Fuerza Regida and Carin León.
Last month, the iconic Mexican rock band Maná added Fresno stop to their highly anticipated tour “Vivir sin Aire” tour after “overwhelming” fan demand, coming to Fresno for the seventh time and selling out each time.
Fresno received Mexican singer Tito Double P with a sold-out concert at the Save Mart Center in April as part of the Mexican star’s first tour in the U.S. And Junior H is returning to Save Mart Center in October after a 2024 sellout. H
Until Thursday night, the Save Mart Center arena had been the largest concert venue for any artist to perform in the San Joaquin Valley. T
Selland Arena, which has had its share of Latin concerts, has a seating capacity of 10,220. This year, Los Tigres del Norte, one of the most recognized acts in regional Mexican music, is bringing its “La Loteria” tour to Selland Arena in October.
Adding Valley Children’s Stadium to the mix of concert venues in Fresno opens the doors to bringing more artists who are doing stadium tours — like Shakira with her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour.
The stadium has a capacity of 40,727 for football and Fresno State athletic director Garrett Klassy told news outlets the stadium had a sold-out concert capacity or about 30,000 for Shakira’s show.
Would the public support a Latin artist at a stadium? Latino concertgoers at Thursday’s show think so. For them, Shakira opened the door to bring more big Latino acts and their stadium tours closer to home.
Some already have a wish list.
Angelo Rodriguez, 36, from Lemoore, was not only excited about Shakira’s performance but the potential for more Latin artists to perform at the stadium.
His sister Rosy Rodriguez initially planned to go see Shakira in Los Angeles, but was ecstatic when Shakira announced the Fresno show, making it more convenient for them.
“It’s easier for us to come to Fresno than drive all the way to L.A,” said Rodriguez, who lives in Riverdale.
“We never imagined that she would be here. So, hopefully that opens the door for other artists,” she said.
Sisters Lucero Reyes and Araceli Garcia of Fresno said they would like to see artists like Karol G and Maluma perform at the stadium.
Colombian singer Karol G performed at Save Mart Center during her Strip Love tour in 2022.
When asked what other Latin artist they would like to see at the Stadium, sisters Evelyn and Patricia Navarro, answered in unison: “Bad Bunny.”
The Navarro sister said they would like to see Karol G and Peso Pluma at the Fresno stadium, as well. “Bad Bunny has to come here,” Evelyn Navarro said.
“Karol G, I think she came here too a couple of years ago but didn’t get to se her, but I would love to see her,” said Patricia Navarro.
“Peso Pluma too. I saw him at Save Mart Center, but it would be fun to see him in a stadium setting as well,” Evelyn said. “I feel like stadiums just give a whole different look,” Patricia said. “It’s obviously bigger capacity, it’s outdoors, and I think it would be really awesome to have any of them come.”
Other concertgoers hope that Julion Álvarez comes to Fresno in the future. The Mexican singer and songwriter who is known for his romantic ballads and ranchera music, had three sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles after years of not playing in the country, according to the Arizona Republic.
This story was originally published August 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
