ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico men’s basketball team will complete its preseason 2026-27 schedule with a pair of home games in the inaugural Power Ford Tip-Off Series. The Lobos will host Washington State on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. and Arizona State on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at The Pit – Powered by Nusenda.
The series is designed to take advantage of recent NCAA rule changes that now allow basketball programs to play three preseason games, with contests against other Division I teams now permitted to take place in front of fans.
“We are excited to host the inaugural Power Ford Tip-Off Series in The Pit – Powered by Nusenda next month,” said Ryan Berryman, UNM Vice President and Director of Athletics. “This event was made possible by visionary thinking from both our coaching staff and corporate partner in Power Ford. We are excited to host marquee opponents in our home venue to kick-off what is sure to be an exhilarating year of Lobo Basketball.”
While many schools across the country are playing preseason neutral site events, these new regulations allow UNM to attract marquee opponents to Albuquerque during the preseason, while using these games to generate revenue that supports the program’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Men’s basketball 2026-27 season ticket holders can secure their seats for both games of the tip-off series for just $10, with funds benefiting the athletic department’s recruitment and retention efforts, keeping the Real Ones home. Real Ones are the student-athletes and coaches across all Lobo programs who stay to build something special right here in New Mexico. Real Ones are also the fans who show up, support every team, and fuel our success.
Single-game tickets for each contest will go on sale Wednesday, September 16 at Noon starting at $15 plus fees. Student tickets will be available for free using the regular claim process by visiting golobos.com/students.
The Lobos are coming off a 26-win season in Eric Olen’s first year at New Mexico, reaching the NIT semifinals. Mountain West Freshman of the Year Jake Hall and starters Uriah Tenette and Chris Howell return from last year’s squad and are joined by a talented group of freshmen and transfers.
“We are excited to host a pair of really good teams in the preseason,” Olen said. “It is a great opportunity for our team to be tested early and allows us to learn more about ourselves and begin making improvements. We have so many new players who will get to experience The Pit for the first time in these games, allowing them to be exposed to that atmosphere before the regular season. These games also are a treat for our fans, as we were able to use the preseason to get teams of this caliber to come to Albuquerque.”
UNM and Washington State are playing in the preseason for the second straight season, as the Lobos traveled to Pullman last season. The Cougars’ last trip to Albuquerque came in the 1992 NIT. Arizona State will be the first power conference team to visit The Pit - Powered by Nusenda, since 2018-19, as the Sun Devils make their first trip to New Mexico since 2010-11.
The Lobos’ three-game preseason schedule begins with an Oct. 11 trip to Oklahoma State. That game begins a home-and-home preseason series between the schools, with the Cowboys visiting The Pit – Powered by Nusenda next season, the first announced matchup of the 2027 Power Ford Tip-Off Series.
FAQ
Why are these games not included in my season ticket package?
Recent NCAA rule changes allow preseason contests against Division I opponents to be played in front of fans, and not behind closed doors. This has created new opportunities for schools like New Mexico to play preseason home games against marquee opponents.
These games offer the opportunity for the Lobos to recruit high-level opponents to The Pit – Powered by Nusenda. The Power Ford Tip-Off Series is designed to enhance both the fan experience and student-athlete recruitment and retention efforts.
By giving season ticket holders access to their seats for a minimal price, it allows those fans to contribute toward the mission of these games – retaining elite talent in Albuquerque, while also recognizing their investment into the program as a season ticket holder.
Will season ticket holders get priority in buying tickets to these games?
Yes, season ticket holders will have priority in purchasing their regular season seats. Until October 14, season ticket holders can claim their seats by making a $10 donation per seat by logging into their account at GoLobos.com/myaccount and following the season ticket renewal links. If season ticket holders do not claim their tip-off series tickets by October 14, their seats will be available to purchase by all fans during the individual game sale.
When do single-game tickets to the Power Ford Tip-Off Series go on sale? How much will they cost?
Single-game tickets to the Power Ford Tip-Off Series will go on sale Wednesday, September 16 at Noon. Tickets start as low as $15 plus fees and can be purchased at golobos.com/tickets.
Will there be club level hospitality for these games?
Yes, ticket holders on the club level and in suites will experience the same hospitality services available for the preseason games as a regular season Lobo game.
Do I have to pay for parking for these games?
Season ticket holders with reserved parking will be sent their parking passes prior to the games. Single-game ticket buyers will not be charged for gameday parking.
Will the games be televised or broadcast online on MW+?
Both games will be available on MW+. Fans can subscribe to the MW+ by visiting this website. Lobo fans can save 15% on an annual MW+ subscription with the promotional code WELCOME15 by subscribing by Sept. 30.
When will my regular season tickets be sent out?
Season ticket holders can expect to receive their 2026-27 regular season tickets toward the end of October, once the Mountain West Conference completes the TV scheduling process.
When will the Lobos’ 2026-27 schedule be finalized?
We expect to announce the 2026-27 schedule soon as the final non-conference games are being finalized.