McAllen International Airport is officially partnering with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to become the official airport for the UTRGV Vaqueros, marking an expansion of the airport’s sports partnership portfolio to help support UTRGV’s sport expansion, including women’s swimming & diving in 2024 and football in 2025.
“We’re all very excited about this new partnership, especially for our student-athletes who will benefit most of all,” said Joaquin "J.J." Zamora, McAllen City Commissioner District 2. “McAllen International Airport will be the official airport of UTRGV athletics and will provide giveaways and experiences for UTRGV students.”
McAllen International Airport’s new collaboration will allow fans from across the United States to fly into the Rio Grande Valley for home games and allow people from across the Rio Grande Valley to fly out to support their favorite sports teams during away games.
The partnership’s first promotion is a giveaway for a trip for two to a UTRGV football road game during the 2025 season. The winner and a guest will fly roundtrip from McAllen International Airport to the game and be provided ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the game.
“This will be a new era for McAllen aviation,” said McAllen City Manager, Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “Partnering with a leader in higher education like UTRGV will allow us to provide more opportunities to students and expand our reach further into Texas and beyond.”
“Our partnership with the McAllen International Airport is transformational for us going forward. When prospective student-athletes come to visit or our teams return from competition, they’ll know they’re home the moment they step off the jet bridge,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “In addition, the countless visiting teams and fans that travel through the airport will quickly realize the support the Vaqueros have from the City of McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley. McAllen International Airport’s commitment is game-changing and will create many opportunities for the Vaqueros and our university community for years to come. “
Follow McAllen International Airport and UTRGV on social media for more information on this new partnership. Registration for the away game giveaway is now open at GoUTRGV.com/MFE.
About McAllen International Airport
The Rio Grande Valley’s preferred airport, the McAllen International Airport, is committed to going above what is necessary and beyond what is expected to connect air travelers with the world. Travelers can choose from five nonstop destinations including Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Los Angeles. These destinations and other connections are made possible through top airline partners including American Airlines, United, and Allegiant. Visitors experience modern comforts like complimentary Wi-Fi, convenient parking options, a coffee café, restaurant, bar, retail stores, a spacious lobby and gate areas. McAllen International Airport had 875,899 travelers go above and beyond with them in 2022. Follow the South Texas Airport of the Dallas Cowboys on social media and discover how the McAllen International Airport takes you above and beyond @mcallenairport on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
McAllen International Airport is the Rio Grande Valley’s favorite airport. For more information, visit www.mcallenairport.com and follow us on social media @McAllenAirport.
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