We're about to find out how successful the New Mexico Bowl will be standing on its own. The Lobos can only play in the bowl game once every three years, which means they can't appear in the second edition of the game. I'm sure organizers are hoping New Mexico State lands a spot in the bowl game and boosts ticket sales.

If you're a true-blue college football fan and are ready to step up to support your city, the New Mexico Bowl is ready to sell you some tickets. Bowl organizers announced ticket go on sale today at the same price as last year, which actually was a pretty good deal for a bowl game.

Premium seats can be purchased for $30, tickets in the North end zone are $23 and the McDonald's family zone, located in the South end zone will feature four tickets for $60 with a voucher from New Mexico McDonald's locations. I'm not sure how you get those McDonald's vouchers since you have to jump through some hoops and go to a specific location to get a similar offer for UNM football tickets at Pizza Hut. I would call the New Mexico Bowl offices at (505) 925-5999 before running off to your nearest McDonald's.

This year's game will once again feature a team from the Mountain West Conference (not the Lobos) against a team from the Western Athletic Conference (maybe the Aggies) on Saturday, December 22, at University Stadium. The game will kickoff at 2:30pm and be broadcast on ESPN.

Posted by ilimon at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A few UNM football notes. The Lobos had a 45-minute practice this morning after school officials used snow plows to clear one field. The offense practiced on the southern end and the offense worked out on the northern end of the same field. One snowman was quietly created on the sidelines during practice but was crushed. Afterward, senior Curtis Pino led the Lobos in a snowball fight. The team also used tackling dummies as sleds, sliding down a pristine patch of snow on the hills separating the upper and lower practice fields.

Everyone was at practice and there were no injuries to report. Jake Bowe is recovering from a concussion he suffered last week, but he can practice without contact and has been cleared to play Saturday.

San Jose State arrived Wednesday afternoon and was greeted at its team hotel by mariachis, a treat the Lobos also enjoyed. The teams had a kickoff dinner at El Pinto. The main event was a green chile cookoff. Robert Turner and Bo Greer helped the loaded Lobos lineup win the top green chile dish, but the team lose style points on dancing. I suspect it was a ploy to just call it a tie and settle it all on game day.

I'll have an update shortly with UNM commitment list, being that today was junior college signing day. There are six guys who got their letters of intent in today and two more expected tomorrow.

Posted by ilimon at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I wrote a story for today's Tribune about the gifts that will be handed out to players and coaches participating in the New Mexico Bowl.

The bowl staff members were well aware the gifts generate national buzz and help make or break the bowl's reputation.

So they aimed big and landed really nice gifts that should get rave reviews. The UNM players already found out about the gifts and are excited about them. I would be thrilled too.

Posted by ilimon at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The New Mexico Bowl unveiled its championship and most valuable player awards at a press conference today. The trophy is a clay pot designed by Marcellus and Elizabeth Medina, artists from the Zia Pueblo. Marcellus Medina, who painted the pots, said he had never draw football players before and it was a major challenge to get it right. But he said he was thrilled to be asked and is happy with the final product.

The trophies are definitely distinct and different than any other bowl award out there. They just need to keep them away from me because I am guaranteed to knock it over. I seriously was a little nervous being around the front table with the pottery all set up. At least I know my weaknesses.

I talked with UNM coach Rocky Long, who was at the press conference and he said his players all are doing well and no one has popped up with any new injuries since last week.

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San Jose State just accepted an invitation to the New Mexico Bowl this afternoon. I'll have a story posted on Lobo Zone soon with a few more details.

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New Mexico Bowl officials held a press conference today to unveil its Web site, www.newmexicobowl.com, and announce ticket prices.

The New Mexico Bowl, which is slated to get the second, third or fourth pick from the Mountain West Conference and second or third pick from the Western Athletic Conference, will be played Saturday, Dec. 23, at 2:30 p.m. in University Stadium.

The tickets will cost $30 for premium seats on either sideline and $23 for seating at the north end zone. The bowl is designating the south end zone as a family section, where people can purchase four tickets for $80. Bowl officials also have sent ticket information to UNM and New Mexico State season-ticket holders. If they buy New Mexico Bowl tickets by Oct. 1, then the bowl will give $5 per ticket back to the fan's athletic program.

More to come on this tomorrow.

Posted by ilimon at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)