Exactly 18 years have passed since a staggering 41,033 spectators arrived for a sold-out Rio Grande Rivalry at the University Stadium (NM). Since then, the downfall has been drastic—we’re talking about a mere 14,966 fans turning up in 2022. So when coach Jason Eck demanded , “I want to see 30,000 [people this year],” it seemed like a stretch. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, that’s exactly what happened.

On September 27, the New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State Aggies met for the 115th edition of their iconic rivalry. While the Lobos took the game home 38-20, their athletic director, Fernando Lovo, took the celebration up a notch. “So many emotions tonight… but above all, proud, blessed, and grateful. For the first time since 2007, we SOLD OUT University Stadium—and @UNMLoboFB d

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