THROWBACK THURSDAY: Buying Presale Tickets At Pete's Fina Mart

It's time for another Throwback Thursday topic for my Tejanos and Tejanitas in the Victoria area. We're looking back at Pete's Fina Mart! Back in the dancehall days of Tejano music, you could purchase presale tickets at a discounted price.

Pete's Fina Mart was so much more than just a gas station.

In Victoria, the place where most people bought those presale tickets was Pete's Fina Mart on Navarro. From the outside, it looked just like your normal gas station/oil change garage, and it was. However, it was so much more. It was Victoria's Tejano ticket connection. It was a one-stop shop.

Google Maps

Pete's was a one-stop for Tejanos.

You could go to Pete's and get your oil changed, and while you waited at their two tables, enjoy some popcorn and a fountain drink while you scratched lottery tickets. When you paid for your oil change, which was $14.95 for as long as I can remember, you also picked up your tickets to the Sun Valley Ranch or the Riverside Convention Center.

Pete Canales loved Ramón Ayala y Los Bravos Del Norte.

The man behind Pete's Fina Mart was Mr. Pete Canales, may he rest in peace. He was not only one of the biggest Tejano supporters in Victoria. He was the biggest fan of Ramon Ayala Y Los Bravos Del Norte. Today, Pete's Fina Mart Location is now a strip mall that features Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Pete Canales

Did you ever buy tickets at Pete's? Let us know and send us a message in our app.