As part of Minor League Baseball's initiative celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture, the Albuquerque Isotopes will transform into "Mariachis de Nuevo México" for four games during the upcoming 2018 season.

Mariachis, like baseball, provide the colorful soundtrack to people's lives. Mariachi bands are an essential source of entertainment in Mexico and the Southwest region of the United States. Mariachi bands can be found at celebrations such as baptisms, birthdays, weddings or celebrating a loved one's life at a funeral.

The inclusion of the sugar skull in the Mariachis logo pays homage to the importance of Dia de los Muertos, a colorful celebration to honor death and those who have passed.

"Our Mariachis de Nuevo México campaign is designed to embrace an entire culture," said Isotopes General Manager John Traub. "We want to show our organization's commitment to the Hispanic fan base in Albuquerque, in New Mexico, in the Southwest and throughout the entire country."

The Isotopes alternate brand will include all aspects of the organization from new on-field Mariachi uniforms and caps, to brand new Spanish language social media accounts (@MariachisNM) for the Mariachis. Furthermore, Isotopes Park will transform from "The Lab" into "The Plaza" during the Copa Cup dates, complete with traditional decorations, piñatas and mariachi bands playing both outside and inside the ballpark.

The Mariachis de Nuevo México brand will also have its own line of merchandise available at the Isotopes Park Pro Shop or online at abqisotopes.com. Fans all across the country will be able to purchase Mariachis hats, t-shirts, jerseys and wide range of novelty items.

The Mariachis are one of 33 teams across Minor League Baseball competing for the "Copa de la Diversión" or "Fun Cup." The initiative is a season-long event series specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams' local Hispanic and Latino communities.

The first Mariachis game will be a Cinco de Mayo celebration, an ideal night to debut the team's new identity. A post-game fireworks extravaganza choreographed to mariachi music will finish off the night. Game two in the series will take place June 26, complete with special pricing on street tacos throughout the concession stands. On July 20, "Cerveza Steins" courtesy of Miller Lite will be given away to the first 2,500 fans 21 years and older for game three. The series concludes on August 19 when the first 2,500 fans will receive a Mariachi Bobblehead doll, featuring a bobblearm (strumming a guitar), courtesy of Pepsi.

A special ticket package known as the "Mariachis 4-Pack" is now available online at abqisotopes.com and at the Isotopes Park Box Office. The $56 4-Pack features a Box Level ticket to each of the four Mariachis-themed games.