Rio Grande Rivalry: Football Gameday Updates & Fan Information

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The 115th edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry between New Mexico and New Mexico State is shaping up to be one of the best-attended games for Lobo Football in many years, with attendance projected to top well over 30,000 fans.

In response to the tremendous feedback we received through fan surveys and our postgame debrief meetings with athletics staff, we’ve made several Football Gameday Updates designed to improve entry, enhance the fan experience, and keep everything running as smoothly as possible this weekend.

Our goal is to provide fans with the best possible experience, from arrival at the stadium to enjoying one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory.

Parking Operations

With attendance expected to exceed 30,000, all paid lots are expected to sell out early on game day. Fans should plan accordingly and arrive as early as possible.

Paid Lots (expected to fill by noon):

• Stadium East
• STP Lots
• Pit West
• Baseball South

To prepare for this demand, UNM Athletics is providing the following additional parking options to help fans get to the stadium:

T-Lot Park & Ride – Free for This Game

• For the Rio Grande Rivalry, shuttle service from T-Lot will be FREE for all fans — a new feature for this game to help with the high demand.
• Located at Lomas and University with nearly 550 spaces.
• Three shuttles will begin running three hours before kickoff, dropping fans on University Boulevard across from Isotopes Park (a short walk to the stadium).
• Return service runs for one hour after the game.

Rideshare

• Fans are encouraged to use the various rideshare options to get to the game.
• Drop-off and pickup are located on the north side of University Stadium, right next to Louie Lane.

CNM Lots

• Additional parking available in Lots H, G, and F.
• Payment required via the ParkMobile app unless otherwise indicated by signage.

STP Parking Garage (Bradbury & Basehart)

• For the first time, UNM Athletics has secured access to the STP Parking Garage, providing an additional 380 parking spaces for fans.
• This will be a paid lot, much like the other paid lots around University Stadium, and only debit/credit cards are accepted for the garage.
• Entrance to the STP Parking Garage has preferred access for Lobo Football off Basehart SE.
  • Coming from the east, take University Blvd to Basehart SE and make a right at that light. The garage is one block east, just past Bradbury Dr SE.
  • Coming from the north or south via I-25, exit at ACC (exit 232) and head towards the stadium, staying in the far left lane. Take the first left, which is Langham SE, and it turns into Basehart. The parking garage is on the right, just past Vance Emory Lane

Milne Stadium (Free Parking)

• For the first time, UNM Athletics has secured access to Milne Stadium for overflow parking.
• This lot will open at 10 am and will be a free lot for fans.
• The lot is a good 15-18 minute walk to the stadium, so plan accordingly, but there are nearly 600 extra spaces to utilize at Milne.

Stadium East Tailgate Updates

• To maximize available spaces, only vehicles and towable trailers will be allowed in Stadium East on gameday.
• No Class A motorhomes will be permitted in Stadium East, and all overnight RV spaces in UNM lots have already been sold out.
• Vehicles entering Stadium East for tailgating may purchase multiple spaces, but there will be a limit. Given the expected demand, we ask fans to consolidate as much as possible so more people can enjoy the Stadium East experience.

Traffic Flow & Law Enforcement Support

• After thorough discussions and planning, UNM Athletics is collaborating with the City of Albuquerque, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, Rio Rancho Police Department, and the New Mexico State Police to actively manage traffic lights and nearby streets. Police officers from these agencies will be on-site directing vehicles and enforcing the traffic control plan before and after the game.

Football Gameday Updates

• Gates Open: For this game, gates will open 30 minutes earlier than usual — two hours before kickoff, at 12:00 p.m.
• Ticket Scanning: Twenty new pedestal scanners have been added to improve speed and flow. Please download your mobile ticket to your phone before approaching the gates.
• Security: Twenty new walk-through metal detectors have been added at entry gates to reduce wait times. Fans will not need to remove wallets or empty pockets.
• Concessions: Eleven new food trucks have been added inside University Stadium, along with five more in Louie Lane. Several portable beer/water stations have been installed, and hawkers have been added to both the east and west stands to reduce lines. In total, there are 135 points of sale inside the stadium where fans can purchase water to stay hydrated.

Fan Reminders

• University Stadium is a clear bag facility. The only non-clear bag permitted is a diaper bag for an infant (subject to search).
• University Stadium is a cashless facility. Please plan on using a debit or credit card for parking, concessions, and the Lobo Den.
• Fans may bring in one sealed 16 oz or 20.9 oz water bottle. Free refill stations are available on the concourse.
• The Kids 12 & Under Free promotion does not apply to this game. It will resume Oct. 18 vs. Nevada.
• The Fan-Friendly Value Menu ($4 hot dogs, $4 sodas, $4 popcorn, $4 water) will be available throughout the game.
• Louie Lane opens at 11 am and features food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and a big-screen showing national games.

Arrive Early

• With one of the largest expected crowds in years, the best way to avoid delays is to arrive early and enter early. We have increased event staffing, including ticket takers and law enforcement officers, to help move fans through more efficiently. However, with this level of demand, lines are to be expected. Please plan accordingly so you don’t miss the opening kickoff.

Stay Updated

For the latest on parking, traffic, and gameday news:

• Follow @UNMLobos on X.
• Visit our Gameday Page.
• Download the Lobo Athletics Mobile App for all your gameday updates.

Whether you’re a longtime season ticket holder, a first-time fan, or supporting the Aggies, this weekend will be one of the biggest Rio Grande Rivalry games in years. With your help and continued feedback, we’re working hard to make University Stadium the best possible home for Lobo Football.