(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: Chargers fans heading to Week 2’s rivalry game against the AFC West’s Las Vegas Raiders will find this matchup well worth attending. Check out the team press release for the gameday schedule and activities honoring Latino Heritage Month.

Multi-Platinum Award Winning Band War Highlights “Puro Chargers” Gameday Celebration, Presented by Verizon

Profiled in Billboard’s feature “The Cisco Kid & Lowriders: How War’s Exploratory Sound Connected with Chicano Culture,” the groundbreaking California jam band will play hits off their iconic albums “The World is a Ghetto” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends” at halftime Sunday

In conjunction with the NFL’s celebration of Latino Heritage Month, the Los Angeles Chargers and presenting partner Verizon will amplify the rich history, heritage and tradition of Latinos while honoring the community’s positive impact on the game of football, our city and country during the team’s divisional battle with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 20 at SoFi Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT.

Both a game theme and year-round platform, “Puro Chargers” is the embodiment of the cultural mosaic that is Los Angeles. Highlighting the day’s festivities will be a special halftime performance—presented by Hyundai—featuring Los Angeles funk/soul/rock band War. Known for blending rock, jazz and Latin influences, the three-time nominee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame distinctive sound has resonated with diverse audiences for decades. With hit songs that showcase infectious rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, War has transcended racial and cultural barriers and earned wide-spread recognition for their cultural and musical influence.

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Activations on gameday include Chargers’ Spanish-language radio and TV partner TelevisaUnivision, who will host a Latin music party and photo opportunity on the Level 6 Overlook, and Pepsi, who will host fans in American Airlines Plaza for a food tasting featuring two Latin-owned restaurants – Guelaguetza and Tacomasa – as well as a sampling of Pepsi Zero Sugar and Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry beverages.

The National Anthem will be performed by East Los Angeles native singer-actress Annie Gonzalez. For over a decade, Gonzalez has brought her charisma, beauty, comedic timing and strong dramatic performances to projects that continue to cement her as one of Hollywood’s new leading talents. Gonzalez has landed roles in popular television series such as Showtime’s Shameless, FX’s American Horror Story, Amazon’s Good Girls, and Starz’s Vida.

The Bolts will also be recognizing this year’s Latino Heritage Award Winner, Robert Vargas, along with the Chargers’ 2026 NFL Latino Youth Honors Nominees Derek Gonzalez and Jessica Manriquez, during pregame. Vargas, celebrated for his vibrant murals that honor the diverse culture and history of Los Angeles, recently completed his latest mural – The Storm is Coming – featuring team captains Justin Herbert and Derwin James. Unveiled earlier this month on Robert Vargas Day, the art installation stands 12 stories tall in the city of Torrance.

Renowned for work that beautifies urban spaces and fosters community engagement and cultural pride, Vargas will be awarded a $5,000 donation to the charity of his choosing as part of this honor.

Gonzalez, a 3-star recruit committed to Kansas, has received All-League, League MVP, and All-CIF honors at Nogales High School while also excelling academically. Deeply rooted in his Latino family values, he is inspired by his grandmother’s dedication to family and community, which is reflected in both his work ethic on the football field and contributions to his family’s catering business.

Manriquez, a standout flag football athlete from Calexico, draws strength from her upbringing along the U.S.-Mexico border, competing with the Bad Rabbits Select program across Southern California and Baja California. A student-athlete at Vincent Memorial Catholic High School, she set MaxPreps national single-season records with 3,702 receiving yards and 276 receptions, earning accolades such as selection to Mexico’s U17 National Team and multiple All-CIF First Team honors. Of the 32 teams’ youth nominations, eight national finalists will be chosen—one from each NFL division—offering them a chance to win $25,000 in college grants.

Exclusive Latino Heritage / Puro Chargers-themed merchandise will be available for purchase in the lead-up to the game online and in the team store on gameday (Level 4, South Endzone), while supplies last. Additionally, limited edition Puro Chargers scarves will be available to the first 10,000 Bolt Fam Members (must present membership card) in attendance at one of four in-stadium locations – Sales Booth at the top of Section 338, Bolt Fam HQ in the Pepsi Zone (near the Level 6 Overlook), Sales Booth at the top of Section 311, Bolt Fam HQ near Entry 2 (adjacent to the Pacifico Patio).

Below is a comprehensive list of what to look for at Sunday’s game:

[Thunder Ally – Pink Lot]

Cook-Off Fiesta presented by Pacifico (10:00 – 10:30 AM): Famed Chargers tailgate Thunder Alley will play host to a cook-off between four fan groups. Winners of the Cook-Off Fiesta, presented by Pacifico, will receive exclusive Chargers merchandise, Pacifico coolers, and postgame field passes.

[American Airlines Plaza]

Pepsi food tasting, featuring Latin-owned restaurants Guelaguetza and Tacomasa.

[Pepsi Zone (Level 6 South)]

KDaze Art Exhibit (11:00 – 1:00 PM): a Southern California-based multidisciplinary artist and art handler known for her vibrant chalk pastel drawings, murals, and community art projects.

[Concourse – Between Gates 1 & 2]

Chargers House Banda Performances (11:30 – 12:00 PM; 12:30 – 1:00 PM)

[Level 6 Overlook]

TelevisaUnivision Latin music party & photo opportunity