Rio Grande Rivalry

The Rio Grande Rivalry is the name given to the New Mexico–New Mexico State football rivalry and known as the Battle of I-25. It is an intercollegiate rivalry between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University. The rivalry began in 1894. In comparison, New Mexico was a United States Territory from September 1850 to January 1912, when it became a member of the United States and the Union. For many years the rivalry was often referred to as the "Battle of I-25" in recognition of the campuses both being located along the Interstate Highway System. Traditions The Thursday evening before that year's rivalry football game, University of New Mexico students and student government annually host a celebration, the Red Rally, in which an effigy of an Aggie is set on fire. The Red Rally was rated on Sports Illustrated, "102 Things You Have to Do Before You Graduate." Conversely, New Mexico State students set an effigy of a Lobo on fire the week of the game at the parking lot near Memorial Stadium.