By Jonah Goldberg

RIO GRANDE VALLEY – SEPT. 28, 2023 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics scored a touchdown today with a new partnership designating the McAllen International Airport as the official airport of the UTRGV Vaqueros.

The big announcement was made during a press conference held at the McAllen International Airport Thursday morning.

“We’re all very excited about this new partnership, especially for our student-athletes who will benefit most of all,” said Joaquin "J.J." Zamora, McAllen City Commissioner District 2. “McAllen International Airport will be the official airport of UTRGV Athletics and will provide giveaways and experiences for UTRGV students.”

The first giveaway is a trip for two to a UTRGV football road game during the inaugural 2025 season that includes airfare from McAllen International Airport, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and tickets to the game. Fans can register to win at GoUTRGV.com/MFE.

A second giveaway is slated for UTRGV Madness on Oct. 27 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse, during which one lucky student will win a trip for two to the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Basketball Tournaments in Las Vegas during spring break. The winner will receive airfare from McAllen International Airport, hotel accommodations, ground transportation to and from the airport, and all-session passes throughout the WAC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

UTRGV Madness begins at 9 p.m. and is preceded by a special pre-event party in the fieldhouse parking lot at 7:30 p.m.

“This will be a new era for McAllen aviation,” McAllen International Airport Director of Aviation Elizabeth Suarez said. “Partnering with a leader in higher education like UTRGV will allow us to provide more opportunities to students and expand our reach further into Texas and beyond.”

As part of the partnership, the McAllen International Airport will add new signage in strategic areas of the airport recognizing it as the official airport of the UTRGV Vaqueros. According to the McAllen International Airport website, more than 2.4 million people pass through the terminal annually.

“Our partnership with the McAllen International Airport is transformational for us going forward. When prospective student-athletes come to visit or our teams return from competition, they’ll know they’re home the moment they step off the jet bridge,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said.

In addition, the countless visiting teams and fans that travel through the airport will quickly realize the support the Vaqueros have from the City of McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley. McAllen International Airport’s commitment is game-changing and will create many opportunities for the Vaqueros and our university community for years to come.”