The undying tradition of torching the Aggie brings students and alumni together to share their collective pride, as a paper mache Pistol Pete is set ablaze, honoring the historic rivalry between the University of New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State University Aggies.
The two institutions have feuded 115 times, earning titles such as The Rio Grande Rivalry and The Battle of I-25.
This year’s game marks the 131st anniversary of the competition since the first football game between the teams, which happened in 1894, 18 years before New Mexico was recognized as a state.
Every week before the rivalry football game, a paper mache Aggie is torched after being constructed throughout the weeks leading up to the game by students, staff and alumni.
This year, the 25-foot Aggie took a total of five weeks to be completed and burned for roughly an hour.
Some of the main attractions at the Red Rally are the contests, music, giveaways and student mixers that are held by various student organizations.
The first Red Rally occurred 22 years ago on the exact date as this year's event, Thursday Sept. 25, 2003. The 2003 football game also took place on the same date as this year’s game.
First year Head Football Coach Jason Eck energetically encouraged Lobos to attend the game.
“We’ve got the smartest students in the state, because you made a great decision to come here and be part of this,” he said.
Lexis Lovato is a beat reporter with the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis
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