NM Bowl impact reaches across the state, even into Rio Rancho

From the Rio Rancho Observer - ALBUQUERQUE - Although the Gildan New Mexico Bowl is played in Albuquerque, its reach, as its name implies, is truly statewide. "The entire state sees an economic benefit from this event," said New Mexico Bowl Executive Director Jeff Siembieda. "You've got people staying in Rio Rancho who are going up there to eat. "It's the entire metro area," he added. "People are coming through Albuquerque, through Rio Rancho and they're going everywhere in the metro area to eat, shop and stay." The annual economic benefit to the metro area "is quantifiable," he said. "I don't know what it is right now, but I know it's in the millions to this community and it's not just Albuquerque. And I think that's something that needs to be stressed." The game will be played on Saturday at University Stadium and will pit the Mountain West's Wyoming, making its second appearance in the bowl in three years, against Tem-ple of the Atlantic-10 Conference. The Owls will be making just their fourth bowl appearance in school history. It's the first bowl game of the season, set up that way on purpose. "This is strategically placed to be the week before Christmas because that is the slowest tourism week of the year in Albuquerque and in New Mexico," Siembieda said. "So to be able to fill hotels, restaurants, bars and retail stores in the week before Christmas is tremendous." And on paper, it has the makings of a great game between two teams that finished 8-4. Read more

NM Bowl impact reaches across the state, even into Rio Rancho