ABQ Mayor Bets Big on Lobos to Bring Home Rio Grande Rivalry Win

Mayor Tim Keller and Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez will have more than pride on the line when the University of New Mexico Lobos face off with the Aggies of New Mexico State University tomorrow night. Mayor Keller bet Mayor Enriquez on the game, requiring the mayor of the city with the losing team to profess his adoration for the winning team by wearing their gear for one day. 

In preparation for the event, Mayor Keller visited Lobo football practice last night to motivate the team and get his throwing arm ready in case the Lobos need another backup quarterback. The Mayor told the team how important their success is to the Duke City and reminded them that all our residents will be supporting them in their biggest matchup this season. 

See video of the Mayor making his bet. More pictures of Mayor Keller at Lobo practice available on request. 

“Mayor Enriquez better have his cherry and silver ready to go because this team is brimming with talent, it’s hardworking, and it’s led by an experienced coach who’s ready to bring a win back to Albuquerque in the Rio Grande Rivalry,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Tomorrow’s game is a New Mexico favorite and gives Albuquerque and Las Cruces a chance to come out and show their pride for our beautiful state.” 

The two mayors agreed on the bet in a friendly phone call Thursday. Mayor Keller told Mayor Enriquez about his excitement for the game and the opportunity for Albuquerque to embrace the Las Cruces community ahead of the matchup.  

“Mayor Keller and I are both proud of our home teams and it seems only fitting that we put our pride on the line at least once a year for a game that brings us all together,” said Mayor Eric Enriquez, a graduate of New Mexico State University in his first year as mayor of Las Cruces. “If the Lobos win, I’ll don cherry and silver for a day. But nothing would make me happier than seeing my friend Tim in crimson and white.” 

Saturday’s football game, known as the Rio Grande Rivalry, kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 28, at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces. The game marks the 114th meeting between the state’s two Football Bowl Subdivision teams. The Aggies and Lobos first played on the gridiron in 1894, 18 years before New Mexico became a state. 

The Lobos are headlined by stellar play of quarterback Devon Dampier and wide receiver Luke Wysong.