UTRGV Vaqueros Football Set for Inaugural Game Tonight at Vackar Stadium

Edinburg, Texas - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will make history tonight as the Vaqueros football team takes the field for its first-ever regular-season contest, hosting the Sul Ross State Lobos at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT, with live coverage on ESPN+ and local radio partners Ultra 90.1 FM, Pure Country 95.7 FM, KYWW 1530 AM Puro Tejano and KGBT-FM 98.5 La Preferida.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., but fans are encouraged to arrive early for a full day of festivities. The marquee events include:

• Vaqueros Game Day at 10:00 a.m. in Schlotzsky’s Vaquero Village at the UTRGV Fieldhouse
• Tailgating beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the H-E-B Tailgate Zone
• Vaqueros Walk at 4:45 p.m., followed by a pep rally in the amphitheater.

All individual game tickets are sold out, though a limited number of standing-room-only passes will be released on a first-come, first-served basis for $15. Ticket prices earlier this week ranged from $20 to $50, depending on section, with season-ticket wait-list signups ongoing at GoUTRGV.com/FootballWaitList.

Head coach Travis Bush emphasized the historic significance of the moment and the importance of execution. “We’ve been working for this for a long time. Every three-hour opportunity matters,” Bush said, noting that the team has focused on fundamentals and situational readiness throughout fall camp. Senior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger-a Mission native and former UTSA signal-caller-acknowledged the excitement coursing through the Valley: “It’s unreal to have college football here. The atmosphere will be unbelievable,” he said after Tuesday’s practice.

The Vaqueros will face a familiar acquaintance in Sul Ross State head coach Lee Hays, a former University of Houston staff member. Both coaches praised each other’s multiple-scheme approach, anticipating a strategic chess match. Sul Ross State enters the game seeking to rebound from a 3-8 season last year in Division II’s Lone Star Conference.

Tonight’s contest marks the culmination of years of planning and more than $30 million in recent stadium renovations. UTRGV Athletics Marketing Director Sara Hernandez assured fans that “everything is in place for an unforgettable atmosphere,” despite the sell-out status of the event.

Fans unable to secure tickets can still partake in the game-day environment at RallyTheValley.com, which provides parking maps, clear-bag policies and real-time updates. Full live stats and audio/video links are available at GoUTRGV.com/FBLiveStats.

Game Information

Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium Edinburg, Texas Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. CDT Live: ESPN+ | Ultra 90.1 FM | Pure Country 95.7 FM | KYWW 1530 AM | KGBT-FM 98.5 La Preferida