by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
UNM Athletics Department wants to boost attendance at football games by giving students a ride.
"We're trying to bridge the gap," said Brad Hutchins, spokesman for the department. "We don't have a stadium right in the center of campus, so it is not easy for someone to get there easily."
The Athletics Department worked with Parking and Transportation Services to get free shuttle service from Main Campus to University Stadium.
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The shuttle will stop at the bus stops near Dane Smith Hall, Redondo Village Apartments and ITS on the corner of Campus Boulevard and Redondo Drive.
The service will start two hours before kick off.
The last bus back to campus leaves the stadium one hour after the game ends.
The University is at a disadvantage for getting fans to the games, but they have an invaluable
presence.
"When the students are there, they are there in full force," Hutchins said. "If you were to ask any of the coaches if students make a difference, it is yes."
For students living on campus, the walk over to University Stadium can be daunting,
Hutchins said.
The shuttle system was designed for students who don't want to walk or who don't have a vehicle, Hutchins said.
Student Julia DePaula said the shuttle service would make her life easier.
"If it is free, that would be so much more convenient," she said.
There will also be a tailgating lot reserved for students on the corner of Kathryn Avenue and Yale
Boulevard.
"We want students to enjoy tailgating while they're here," Hutchins said. "When they leave, they'll come back. Those will be our No. 1 fans."
Student Amber Cordova said she would use the shuttle service because it's easier
than driving.
"Parking over there is insane," she said. "I have a lot of friends that live in the dorms, and that way, I can just get on the shuttle."
