Some Parents See The Battle of I-10 As A Rowdy Rivalry

The UTEP and NMSU football teams have a long-standing rivalry but according to some parents, games aren’t always a family-friendly affair.

“The yelling the cussing, it’s having fun in an adult style,” said mother and Aggies fan, Ellen Lopez.

Lopez insisted the fierce competition at the games creates an environment that is not suitable for young children. Lopez remarked that aggressive fans on both sides are, “both just agitating each other.”

UTEP fan Marina Valenzuela is also a mom. She insisted Aggie Memorial Stadium is just fine for kids, and in her opinion, even safer than the Sun Bowl due to increased police presence.

“Since there’s more of the university students here there are more Sherrifs on them,” Said Valenzuela. “They’re (police) making sure they’re of age and so were actually more protected.”

Carmen Zubia said it’s up to parents to create a safe environment for their kids, despite some out-of-control tailgaters.

“I ignore (tailgaters),” said Zubia. “(I) take my kids aside and take them away from the situation, if (I) have to do that.”

Lopez disagreed, saying, “That’s why children shouldn’t be here because you don’t know who you’re going to park next to.”

An NMSU sports spokesman said NMSU works hard to create a family-friendly environment for both their fans and opponents.