ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --- Nine and a half months ago, the talk around Lobo Football wasn't great. No coach, and most of the players were in the transfer portal. That was December, and now, in September, it's time for the 115th edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry, and what a difference 9 1/2 months make.
The New Mexico Lobos, resurgent under head coach Jason Eck, host New Mexico State in a game that is trending to be the best-attended game in nearly 20 years. The Lobos and Aggies are both sitting at 2-1 on the season, marking the first meeting in 33 years between both teams with a record above .500.
The Lobo student section sold out by Tuesday morning, and ticket sales are already set to surpass the 27,414 that saw the 113th edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry in 2023 at University Stadium.
Both teams are coming off a bye week, with UNM last playing on Friday, September 12, a historic 35-10 win over UCLA at the Rose Bowl. New Mexico State is coming off a conference-opening loss to Louisiana Tech on the road, but the Aggies had won 21-14 over Tulsa the week prior. That Tulsa team just beat Oklahoma State 19-12.
Eck has been perfect in rivalry games, going 3-0 while the head coach at Idaho, winning all three meetings against Idaho State in the "Battle of the Domes". He has also coached against New Mexico State before, back in 2005, when Idaho won 38-37 over the Aggies in Las Cruces, a game that ended in double overtime after Idaho went for two and converted.
The game is huge for both teams, with bowl implications, and both are looking for a 3-1 start. For New Mexico, the Lobos haven't started 3-1 since 2007, and New Mexico State hasn't done so since 1999.
Tickets are going fast for the game, and fans are encouraged not to wait. Tickets can be purchased right here. Note that the Kids 12 & Under free promotion is not available for this game due to a lack of inventory. UNM's fan-friendly value menu, featuring hot dogs, popcorn, sodas, and waters for $4 apiece, will be available for the game.
Lobo Talk is tonight, Tuesday, September 23, at 7–8 pm live from Sandia Resort & Casino, taking place in the beautiful Sandia Sports Bar.
Lobo Talk will take place upstairs in the beautiful Sandia Sports Bar. The Sandia Sports Bar adds a casual element of fun, great food, local craft beers, and inspired cocktails. Unwind indoors and outdoors, taking in the most amazing views of the Sandia Mountains, while enjoying over 50 state-of-the-art televisions. Sandia's menu features terrific sports bar favorites from wings to burgers, plus authentic New Mexican cuisine, and even surf and turf options. There is something for everyone at Sandia Sports Bar.
Joining Coach Eck and Voice of the Lobos Robert Portnoy will be defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky and defensive lineman Gabe Lopez. The show goes from 7-8 pm on Tuesday nights of game week throughout the season. This year, the show has been drawing record crowds of over 100 students and fans, making it a show you won't want to miss.
Sandia Resort & Casino is located off I-25, Exit 234, which is the Tramway exit, and the entrance to the Sandia Resort & Casino Sports Bar is best accessed through the back entrance of Sandia. Fans who can’t make it to Sandia Resort and those out of the area can catch the show online right here.