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    UTRGV announces purchase of sports, entertainment complex

    Football team will play at UTRGV Stadium, formerly H-E-B Park in Edinburg

    The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) on Wednesday announced it has acquired H-E-B Park, designating the venue as the primary home for the upcoming Vaqueros football program.

    The announcement came during a press conference at H-E-B Park, now to be referred to as UTRGV Stadium. Since 2017, the venue had served as the home of the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League. The organization ceased operations in December 2023.

    Addition to UTRGV Stadium, the Vaqueros also will play a home game each season in Brownsville at Sams Memorial Stadium.

    UTRGV Stadium has a capacity of nearly 10,000 and boasts 20 acres of festival grounds, including an amphitheater that seats an additional 2,500.

    President Guy Bailey said the stadium presents an extraordinary opportunity for the university.

    “UTRGV Stadium gives both our community and football program immediate access to a premier facility while also providing additional possibilities for our university,” Bailey said. “Its location off Expressway 281 also ensures convenient access for our fans, as well as visitors who make their way into the Valley for games.”

    Bailey expressed gratitude for the pivotal role the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC) have played in facilitating the acquisition.

    “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Edinburg City Council, and Edinburg EDC, along with their dedicated teams,” Bailey said. “Without their unwavering support and shared vision, this transformative collaboration would not have come to fruition.”

    Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza said he is excited about UTRGV football and its benefits to the city.

    “Continuing another historic chapter in our longstanding relationship with the university, this partnership between the City of Edinburg and UTRGV symbolizes our steadfast commitment to nurturing growth and opportunity within our community,” Garza said. “Bringing Division I football to Edinburg enriches our city’s sports landscape and paves the way for new possibilities for our residents and visitors alike. I sincerely thank President Bailey and the entire university team for their visionary leadership and collaborative efforts. I eagerly anticipate UTRGV football’s transformative impact on Edinburg and the entire Rio Grande Valley.”

    A CLOSER LOOK AT UTRGV STADIUM

    The UTRGV Stadium complex offers an array of amenities and features, making it an exceptional venue for both college football and entertainment, with:

    • 20 Acres of Festival Grounds: The grounds provide versatile space for various activities and events, such tailgating, concerts, and campus and community events.
    • LED Video Board: The state-of-the art video board is 43-foot by 24-foot.
    • Amphitheater: Provides an intimate setting for concerts, stage shows and special events for up to 2,500 people.
    • 30 Luxury and Eight Patio Suites: Provides a unique game day experience for fans.

    Chasse Conque, UTRGV vice president and director of athletics, called the stadium the crown jewel of outdoor facilities in the Valley.

    “We have seen a tremendous outpouring of interest in and support for our football program,” Conque said. “We will be playing in one of the top facilities in NCAA Division I FCS, and we look forward to using the next year and a half to create an unforgettable game day experience for our fans.”

    UTRGV already has collected more than 2,800 season ticket deposits for the 2025 season.

    Head football coach Travis Bush is thrilled to call UTRGV Stadium home.

    “This has been the goal since day one, and it’s the final piece of the puzzle for UTRGV Football,” Bush said. “This stadium adds to our facilities that are under construction as being the best in our conference and on top of FCS Football, which will only help us continue to recruit top talent to UTRGV. It will be the perfect college football environment for the Rio Grande Valley, and we can’t wait to see it packed with fans wearing orange.”

    SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: $25 FOR ’25

    Season ticket deposits for the inaugural season of UTRGV football currently are being accepted for just $25 per ticket at GoUTRGV.com/Tickets. The Vaqueros take the field for their first season of competition in 2025.