See You Tomorrow!

CORPUS CHRISTI - Tomorrow at 2 p.m., the waiting ends.

It's only been 53 days since news broke that two-time MLS Cup champ Houston and 2010 MLS Cup finalist FC Dallas had agreed to square off at Whataburger Field.

For soccer-crazy South Texas, the wait seems much longer.

It's about to pay off. The chance to see an installment in this rivalry series comes on what's forecast to be a picture-perfect day: 67 degrees and sunny with nine MPH winds.

Saturday, those of us inconvenienced by last week's freezing rain and road closures will be reminded why we live in the South. Superior sports. Wonderful weather. Serious celebrations.

Come see the Dynamo and Dallas, and don't forget to check out the following:

- Mariachi Mexicanisimo performs near the ballpark entrance from 12:30-1:30. This talented group performs regularly on Sundays during Hooks Baseball at Whataburger Field.

- For the curious, Whataburger presents a jalapeno-eating contest at the beginning of halftime. It all boils (burns) down to this: who can eat the most jalapenos from an allotment of 12 in one minute? The winner gets Whataburger for an entire year. caller.com's Steven Alford of Steven Alford vs. the World joins three contestants for the throw-down. He's ineligible for the prizes but believes he can pack the most Scoville Heat Units.

For the courageous, register at Guest Services.

- Also at intermission, Joe Gazin and Katia Uriarte of KIII-TV3 recognize four outstanding female student-athletes who've risen through the ranks of youth soccer to stardom at the high school level to college scholarships. Joe and Katia introduce you to Gregory-Portland's Jordan James, Alex Price of Calallen and Flour Bluff standouts Katy Belew and Kaitie Kasperitis.

- Register for a drawing in the 85th Minute to Win IT, sponsored by the Port of Corpus Christi. If either team scores in the 85th minute, three lucky winners receive Hooks prizes. Register online or at the Hooks Ticket Information Kiosk on the main concourse Saturday. You must sign up by the end of halftime and be present at the match to win.

- Be sure to stick around post-match as Dynamo and FC Dallas players sign autographs field-side. Just make your way down to the bottom of a section where players are signing.

Plan to leave home early Saturday due to Port Avenue construction. Gates open at 1.

Time -- Activity
11:00 -- Whataburger Field parking lots open
12:30 -- Mariachi Mexicanisimo begins performance outside entrance
1:00 -- Whataburger Field gates open
2:00 -- KICKOFF

Reserved-seat tickets are $20 through today; match-day price is $22. Visit the Whataburger Field Box Office, call 361-561-HOOK or go to whataburgerfield.com