Every year, the annual Lobo vs. Aggie football game draws a huge crowd. This Saturday, Sept. 21, cars packed the South Lot before the game, and Lobo and Aggie supporters alike set up tents side-by-side with food, games and music.
For some, the event is a family tradition. Ron Besanti, a registered nurse and proud UNM alum, said his family has held football season tickets for years.
“Twenty-eight years, to be exact,” Besanti said.
Not only do he and his wife hold master’s degrees from UNM, both of his sons are alumni as well.
For others, it’s taken on a special meaning. One couple, who met at a Lobo football tailgate seven years ago, gave their wedding vows under an arch of flowers in the middle of South Lot before this year’s game.
Nearby, the UNM marching band and spirit squad performed their way down a row of cars and tents. Afterwards, a mini dance party broke out as music blasted from a stereo.
Ashley Herrera, 30, and Christopher Allan, 27, both sporting New Mexico State University shirts, were among the dancers. All over the parking lot, people of all ages could be seen throwing footballs, playing cornhole and barbecuing on outdoor grills.
More than just a football game, the much-anticipated UNM-NMSU rivalry game and surrounding events have become an opportunity for people to celebrate family, community and tradition.
Emille Domschot is a freelance photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @erdomschot
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