UTRGV to host first-ever collegiate football game

It’s finally happening.

After what seems like an insurmountable amount of years in the making and countless comments of “the RGV needs a college football team” spread among fellow Valley-ites, it’s finally happening.

This Saturday, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will have its first-ever football game.

The Vaqueros will gear up and lace their cleats against Sul Ross State at 7 p.m. in Edinburg at the Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium.

The stadium is located at 1616 S. Raul Longoria Road in Edinburg.

To say that there’s big expectations behind this game is an understatement — the shoes to be filled are more so Goliath sized.

If you’re looking to attend, there are a limited number of single-game tickets that will become available to everyone on Friday at 8 a.m.

Keyword here is “limited.”

On Friday, the day before the big game, those interested in getting a ticket can visit UTRGVTickets.com.

Here is a list of the price points, according to the university.

Sections 105-107: $50

Sections 103-104, 108-109, 116-118: $35

Sections 101-102, 110111: $25

Sections 113-115, 119127: $20

Standing Room Only: $15

On the flip side, the university announced Monday that all student tickets for the inaugural football game have been claimed.

According to a release by UTRGV, all 3,000 tickets were claimed in less than an hour.

Last week, the university released a statement in regard to resale prices and alleged locations for tickets to the inaugural game.

“UTRGV Athletics has become aware of tickets being sold on secondary markets to our first football game on Aug. 30 for high prices in unavailable locations,” UTRGV said in the statement. “To date, standing room only tickets have not been made available for sale. While a few media outlets will be receiving standing room only tickets as part of their sponsorship to use as on-air giveaways, those tickets have not yet been delivered. Almost all standing room only tickets will be put on sale the Friday before each home game at 8 a.m. at UTRGVTickets.com.

“That means that standing room only tickets for the first game will be available for purchase on Aug. 29 at 8 a.m. Fans are cautioned not to purchase any alleged standing room only tickets currently being sold for UTRGV football games as they are likely fraudulent.”

All in all, best place to get your ticket is from the university itself.

Local names on the roster

High school football in the Rio Grande Valley arguably has some of the most recognizable pride in the state.

So, when local athletes from the region make it to the collegiate level — more so, UTRGV — then it shows that the area can for sure play some ball.

Although the roster has athletes from across the country, there are some local ones there.

One of the more notable names on the roster is Eddie Lee Marburger. Those who recognize that name from a few years ago can remember the impressive quarterback display he did over at Sharyland Pioneer. More so, the accuracy and precision he delivered during playoff games against teams like Liberty Hill.

After a few years at UTSA, Marburger has made his way home and although not official as of press time, he’s poised to be the starting quarterback.

For those who remember the PSJA North Raiders and their playoff runs the last couple of years, will notice that Sergio Aparicio is on the roster. Although he led the Raiders as a quarterback, he’s looking to be a force for the Vaqueros as a wide receiver.

Another local star athlete on the list is Mehkhi Blue. The towering 6’6” offensive lineman was a force when he played at Marine Military Academy in Harlingen. He was the first student- athlete from the region to officially sign with UTRGV.

If you miss this game

If you don’t catch this game, don’t fret too much.

In a 12-game season, there will be seven home games. The Vaqueros will be competing in the Southland Conference and some of the teams they will face are ranked.

Fans will have the chance later this season to see UTRGV face against squads like Incarnate Word.

“We look forward to all being together at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium for our first football game Saturday,” UTRGV Senior Vice President & Director ofAthletics Chasse Conque said.