UNM Athletics is partnering with the ride service Uber to safely transport students to and from games.
“We believe this provides another alternative for students to attend the game and get home safely. It is convenient in that no parking pass is needed — the drop-off/pick up is just north of University Stadium,” Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations Brad Hutchins said.
Hutchins said the agreement is one of great benefit for UNM students and fans, and his department wants to continue to provide avenues for everyone to attend UNM events.
Although there is currently a free student shuttle running, he said this partnership enhances the opportunities for students to get to and from University Stadium.
Uber spokesperson Taylor Patterson said Uber drivers have been made aware of the partnership through a variety of methods including texting, messaging, and mobile emails.
“Our drivers are aware that a partnership is in place and that demands will probably be high after a game. It's a great opportunity to get them on the road, make some money and get folks home safely after a game,” Patterson said.
Hutchins said that although there had been mutual interest, his department reached out first to see if Uber had interest in working with the Lobos and other UNM events.
Both Hutchins and Patterson said student safety is a concern they both take seriously, emphasizing that several boxes must be checked off before someone can become an Uber driver.
These process includes the completion and passage of a background check, which includes checks at the federal, state, and county level, Patterson said. In addition, all vehicles are required to have a 19-point vehicle inspection as well.
Patterson also urged students to take advantage of the Uber app for further safety concerns.
“During a ride students can actually share their ETA, their location with their friends via text message and they can actually watch the car in real time moving on a map. Before they get into a vehicle they can see the driver's name, the make and model of the vehicle that they are getting into, as well as the license plate number,” she said. “So all of those ensure their experience is a safe one.”
Hutchins said Uber is available to any attendees of UNM football games, and drop-offs will be located north of the stadium with easy access. To see where the dedicated pickup and drop-off points in the stadium can be found, attendees can look on Uber’s website.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Hutchins said his department has been constantly promoting new enhancements at University Stadium and, initially, they did a press release and worked with student leaders to help get information about the Uber partnership out through social media platforms.
Each week there is a home game, the new partnership will be promoted over social media, and signs will be posted at the four entrances to the stadium. In-game announcements will also remind attendees of the new option.
“We will always continue to explore ways to promote and get (the) word out to students,” he said.
Patterson said students and fans in general will also be able to leave games safely, not having to worry about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle if they have been drinking, since UNM is selling alcohol at football and basketball games or the first time this season.
Fans will also have more time to be with their friends, more time to watch games, and will spend less time worrying about traffic and congestion issues, Patterson said.
“This is another form of transportation for our students to get to and from our football games. Our goal, as always, is to ensure Lobo fans enjoy their experience at our events and are able to get home safely,” Hutchins said.
Nichole Harwood is a news reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Nolidoli1.
