Rally The Valley Week: A Celebration of UTRGV Spirit and Community Engagement
RIO GRANDE VALLEY — The kickoff of #RallyTheValley Week, sponsored by McAllen International Airport, on February 12 represents a landmark event in UTRGV Athletics, spotlighting community engagement and fan participation. This week-long celebration included a series of thrilling matches spread over six days, showcasing the spirit and pride of the Vaqueros.
A Jam-Packed Schedule for UTRGV Fans
RallyTheValley Week featured a robust lineup with eight home games from February 12 to 17, encapsulating the essence of school pride and competitive spirit. This initiative reimagined an earlier tradition, once part of homecoming festivities, transforming it into a fan-focused celebration marked by collaboration and community involvement.
Events Kicking off with Fan Interaction
The week commenced with the Rally the Valley Kickoff Party at the student union, providing fans with the opportunity to meet student-athletes, gather autographs, and enjoy complimentary merchandise. This event set the tone for the exhilarating week ahead.
The women’s basketball team took to the court that evening to face Lamar at the UTRGV Fieldhouse, officially igniting the action-packed schedule. Momentum escalated as various events unfolded.
Baseball and Basketball Take Center Stage
The baseball season commenced with a three-game series against Kansas from Friday through Sunday at UTRGV Baseball Stadium. Simultaneously, the basketball teams hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day doubleheader on Saturday, further enriching the week’s theme of community engagement.
The following day, Monday, men’s basketball squared off against Lamar in the much-anticipated annual Battle of the Colleges. This event featured two trophies: one awarded based on attendance, won by the College of Liberal Arts, and another determined through a free throw contest, clinched by the School of Podiatric Medicine.
As the week drew to a close, Tuesday spotlighted baseball as they hosted Texas Tech during an exciting "Orange Out" night, marking the conclusion of a record-setting week for UTRGV Athletics.
Record-Breaking Attendance Draws Community Together
The impact of #RallyTheValley Week was dramatically reflected in its attendance figures, surpassing the goal of welcoming 20,000 fans with an impressive total of 25,195 attendees across eight events. Highlights included record-setting crowds at the baseball games, with notable attendance on Friday (5,862), Sunday (2,291), and a staggering Tuesday turnout of 6,588, which also set an overall program record.
Enthusiasm From Leadership
“I’m thrilled to see the incredible support from our community during #RallyTheValley Week,” remarked Derek Schramm, senior associate athletic director. "The energy surrounding our sports programs, buoyed by the excitement of football, showcases a unified front from our Valley community."
Sara Hernandez, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Strategic Initiatives, emphasized the spirit of unity observed throughout the events. “Witnessing students, alumni, and families coming together was astounding. It reaffirmed the purpose of our efforts.”
Innovative Fan Engagement with the Passport Initiative
An exciting aspect of #RallyTheValley Week was the introduction of the Passport initiative, which encouraged fans to collect stamps at various events to earn unique prizes such as tote bags, t-shirts, water bottles, and custom hoodies. A total of 104 fans completed their passports and entered for a chance to win roundtrip plane tickets courtesy of McAllen International Airport.
Eddie Galvan, chief of staff and associate athletic director for development, noted the huge crowds and records set during the week. “Despite the packed schedule and Valentine’s Day in between, fans showed up excited, setting the stage for what baseball season can bring."
Corporate Sponsorship Enhances Community Spirit
Corporate partnerships played a vital role during #RallyTheValley Week, with McAllen International Airport leading the charge as the primary sponsor. Alongside providing prizes, the airport distributed promotional items like koozies and rally towels throughout various events.
Unique sponsor collaborations enhanced the fan experience, with local businesses offering vouchers, coupons, and prizes throughout the week. Community engagement flourished as businesses such as Church’s Texas Chicken, Wing Barn, and Whataburger added to the vibrant atmosphere.
A Digital Success: Engagement Beyond the Stadium
The excitement extended beyond the physical venues, with substantial digital engagement noted during #RallyTheValley Week. Over 373 social media posts were shared, generating a remarkable number of views and interactions. One Facebook reel alone accrued more than 50,000 views, and basketball content achieved over 1,000,000 total views.
Live coverage of all eight games was provided through platforms like ESPN+ and Southland International, significantly broadening the reach of this vibrant event.
Looking Towards the Future
As UTRGV Athletics moves forward, #RallyTheValley Week has established itself as a new annual tradition, fostering enthusiasm and community engagement around the university’s sports programs. The blend of competitive spirit, fan participation, and corporate sponsorship has laid a foundation for future successes.
From the adrenaline of basketball tipoffs to the final plays of baseball games, the Valley has showcased its unwavering support and unity. Join the excitement and be part of UTRGV’s vibrant athletic community by visiting GoUTRGV.com for ticket information and promotional details.
