Free Admission to Women’s Basketball Game Saturday

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is offering free admission to Saturday’s women’s basketball game against Texas State for fans who donate six nonperishable food items to assist the UTRGV Student Food Pantry.

The athletic department committed to creating a food drive for the month of November to help the food pantry, which serves currently enrolled students at locations on both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses. Fans can donate six nonperishable food items to receive one free ticket for the 2 p.m. game between the Vaqueros and Texas State. Bins will be placed at the entrance of the UTRGV Fieldhouse to collect items in exchange for a ticket.

UTRGV Athletics has been collecting nonperishable food items since Nov. 11 through bins located near the athletic department offices. The department is also encouraging financial donations to assist the pantry with the purchase of food: click this link to donate financially directly.

The Student Food Pantry is funded through year-round charitable fundraising events and donations. Students experiencing hunger or food insecurity can enroll for assistance from the food pantry, which distributes food every Wednesday and Friday.

“When we realized that the UTRGV Student Food Pantry was in need of donations, we felt there was an opportunity for UTRGV Athletics to help,” Senior Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations James Martinez said. “With assistance from Student Life and Dean of Students, we identified food collection sites throughout our athletic facilities and have actively encouraged athletic staff to either donate food or make financial contributions to the Student Food Pantry. We are confident that our month-long initiative will result in a substantial donation with help from the community at our women’s basketball game Saturday. The athletic department is proud to be part of this initiative.”