The driving force behind sports is often the fans. Many people spend countless amounts of time and money following their favorite team and its ups and downs during the season. The fans offer their unconditional loyalty and support to sporting celebrities, whom they idolize like gods, and they are always on the look out for any paraphernalia related to their heroes, such as a signed program, or a shirt of their favorite player to show the whole world their true devotion. This passion, particularly for soccer, makes people feel alive; it makes the blood course through their veins in anticipation of the game and experience intense emotions that can't be recreated in their normal everyday lives; a stroll to the game feels more like a march into battle. Entire generations have had the colors, banners, and emblems of their favorite teams embedded in their very hearts, and for some, literally tattooed on their skin.

The latest "buzz" in Cancun is about the new local soccer team, Potros de Hierro del Atlante. The recently acquired team, a bold new attempt to satisfy locals and visiting sports fans alike, has turned out to be a real source of passion and excitement, as well a well needed boost of adrenaline that is certain to keep this beautiful resort's vitality and growth going for a long time to come. From the street corners, markets and offices, to the restaurants, bars and clubs, no matter who you are or where you come from the only topic of conversation on everyone's lips in town is "Hey! How did Atlante do?"; "Did you see that scorcher of a goal?"; "We won again!", or in worst cases, 'We lost!'

Atlante is not a new team; in fact over a century has passed since its humble beginnings as an amateur team. Throughout the team's long illustrious history, one thing has remained constant, their fans never-waning loyalty, regardless of what coaches have come and gone, how strong or lucky they've been in tournaments or the league, and even when they got relegated to the second division, their passion for Atlante never faltered. And now, after only one season in their new tropical home, the fickle gods of soccer smiled down on Atlante and the team emerged once more victorious, with a new found passion, as the National Champions of Mexico!

Atlante's contagious magnetism has already spread through their new home town of Cancun, and even though the population comes form many different towns, cities and countries they have left behind past preferences to support the local team that now represents this city's passion for soccer. Many people from Mexico City have followed the team from the time when they used to play at the Azulgrana Stadium, on Insurgentes Avenue. Others have simply switched their support to the local team because there had never been one before, especially not one playing in the first division, and of course the team's recent victory has helped to elevate the club's status and popularity.

The rewards of having a local team are clearly evident. When it is "game night" at Andres Quintana Roo Stadium, hordes of enthusiastic fans arrive at the airport and bus terminal, occupancy in hotels rises and fans crowd the streets, bars and other establishments. In fact, a sudden increase of economic and social activity is felt immediately. Cancun's inhabitants, young and old, soccer fans or not, benefit from the euphoria and energy brought by the many fans that are lured here by the games. Besides the usual reasons for coming to Cancun, (wonderful hotels, fabulous beaches, amazing views of the Caribbean Sea, and the incomparable beauty of the Mayan archaeological sites), now there is yet another excellent reason to travel to Cancun; to be a guest in the home of the champions.

Cancun has proven itself ready to be the home of a great team and it is certainly capable of accommodating the huge crowds of fans who come from all over the country to get a taste of our world famous courtesy and hospitality. During all the games the supporters have behaved with a spirit of fellowship and camaraderie, regardless of their preference for any team or who wins or loses, and without any sign of violence or vandalism. Here, collective euphoria reins, with fans singing victory songs, waving banners and cheering for the local as well as for the visiting team.

For those who enjoy the thrill and excitement of professional soccer, Cancun has now added another option to its already long list of attractions, one that will certainly be a fantastic end to day on the beach or a sightseeing trip to a fabulous Mayan site; yet another good excuse to visit this heavenly spot in the Mexican Caribbean.