ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Every game is important, but Saturday’s matchup on the gridiron between the UNM Lobos and North Dakota State Bison could have massive implications in the Mountain West title race and beyond, which is why UNM has been pushing hard for a sellout.
As of Thursday night, the school was reporting ticket sales of over 29,000 with the goal of reaching capacity at 37,440 by Saturday’s 8 p.m. kickoff.
“I think it’s super exciting. This is definitely the game that everybody’s been looking forward to. So, I think it’ll be great, and it’ll be a defining game for Lobo football,” said UNM Student Body President Hope Montoya.
UNM expects Saturday night’s clash to post the highest attendance numbers of the season. A spokesperson also said, at best, it could turn into the most well-attended game in almost two decades when the opponent is anyone besides New Mexico State.
Some students say the success on the field and Head Coach Jason Eck’s popularity have created a buzz over the last year-and-a-half that is unmatched in recent memory.
“Coach Eck has really shown the student body that he cares. He shows up to our events. He shows up to our club events. He shows up to student government events. He really makes sure that he shows up for the people,” said Jayce McCloud, a junior at UNM.
Coach Eck was featured in a promo this week in which he goes “undercover” as a new employee in the ticket office to help motivate other employees to sell tickets.
The Lobos also posted a look at special Route 66-inspired helmets Thursday on social media.
While the promos will undoubtedly help drive enthusiasm, many believe the excitement around the on-field product is the biggest factor that could lead to a sellout crowd.
“Just like the atmosphere, really. Being at the games is a lot of fun. And, of course, watching our team win is gonna be huge,” said Anthony Leech, a UNM freshman.
UNM enters the contest as the only Mountain West team without a conference loss at 2-0. North Dakota State, meanwhile, is sitting in a tie for second with a 3-1 mark in conference play so far.
New Mexico is still one of a handful of Group of 6 teams in line to contend for a playoff spot alongside the likes of James Madison and Boise State.
Another loss would likely derail those chances, which is why many students say they will be in attendance Saturday evening, even if rain hits Albuquerque that night.
“Heck no. Just keep going. If it rains, it rains. I’m still going to be there,” said UNM freshman Theodore Shaffers.
