More than 37,000 fans braved the rain to cheer Lobos in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – More than 37,000 fans packed University Stadium for a sold-out Lobos game as the team carried an 8-1 record and playoff hopes into Saturday night.

KOB 4 spoke with tailgaters before kickoff as thousands of fans headed to the stadium despite cold and rainy weather.

“These are the biggest crowds we’ve had in a long time for a non-Aggie game,” said Tom Bunce, a Lobo fan.

Fans filled seats that some said had sat empty in past years as New Mexico faced the UNLV Runnin Rebels on Saturday night.

“We’re longtime Lobo fans. We’ve been coming together to the game since there was like 50 people in the stands it seemed like,” said Ron Pattison, a Lobo fan.

Why did fans believe?

Fans said the excitement came from the Lobos’ season and what a win could mean for the team’s ranking and postseason chances.

“Coach Eck is a G, right? Kojek is the biggest baller I know, and I know ballers, right?” said another Lobo fan.

“Well, UNLV was supposed to be near the top of the the league, but they’ve lost a couple games. But I think it should be could be competitive, and it’s a game they need to win for their rankings. If Boise falls, they could actually make the playoffs,” Bruce said.

The Lobos entered the night 8-1 overall and undefeated in Mountain West Conference play. In the end, the UNLV Rebels defeated the Lobos, 21-17.

A stadium proposal also drew cheers during the night after a fan asked, “Will you marry me?” and the woman said yes.

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