LAS CRUCES, N.M. – NM State Athletics and UTEP Athletics have joined forces to promote the upcoming men's basketball Battle of I-10 with a Media Blitz at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces on Monday, Dec. 2.
The Dec. 2 Media Blitz will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Pan American Center. This event will take place the day before the NM State vs. UTEP Battle of I-10 on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
This event marks the second time both athletic departments have teamed up this season to promote fan engagement between the rivalry fan bases. A similar event took place in mid-November at the Don Haskins Center to create buzz for first match-up of the Aggies and Miners.
The Media Blitz in each arena will feature the home team's pep band, cheerleaders, dance team and mascot along with NM State Director of Athletics Mario Moccia and UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter. UTEP will supply their spirit squads and mascot for availability at the Dec. 2 media event.
*Please note, the Battle of I-10 media pep rally will take place immediately after NM State Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Jans' weekly press conference, which is also held at the Pan American Center. Hopefully, this will relieve stress on the covering news outlets.
"UTEP and NM State has been a tremendous rivalry for over 100 years, but it's at its best when both teams are strong and the venues are filled to capacity," Senter said. "We anticipate two high-intensity matchups between two outstanding squads this season. There is a great deal of excitement surrounding the 2019-20 edition of the Battle of I-10, and we're excited about partnering with NM State to increase interest and awareness for the rivalry game with a Media Blitz in both El Paso and Las Cruces."
"Jim and I discussed some time ago how we could collaborate to increase attendance and enthusiasm for our I-10 rivalry games," Moccia said. "Many remember the electric atmosphere of past Aggie vs. Miner games, and our goal is get back to what the fans fondly remember - the ability to see your team on the road within a 30-45 minute drive with reasonable ticket prices and a fan-friendly environment. This partnership is the first step in re-energizing our rivalry with big crowds and a spirited atmosphere."
Media are invited to attend the Media Blitz in Las Cruces and are asked to RSVP by contacting NM State Assistant AD/Marketing Nicole Sack (sack@nmsu.edu) or NM State Assistant AD/Media Relations Charles Hurley (churley@nmsu.edu).
-NM State-
