Goal Oriented

Game On!

You won’t be short on tradition if you’re attending UTSA home football games.

Forming a human tunnel for players and coaches to enter the Alamodome field just minutes before the kickoff, UTSA freshmen join the Spirit of San Antonio marching band at the home opener games in a tradition known as Rowdy Rush. The inaugural Rowdy Rush, in 2013 at the UTSA–Oklahoma State game, resulted from a year of planning and collaboration between UTSA Athletics and Student Activities staff, who were searching for a way to introduce freshmen to school spirit and increase student attendance at home football games. More than 500 incoming freshmen registered at student orientation and purchased an orange jersey to be part of that event.

But if you want more action than just the game, you’re in luck. The day prior to every home game day, Main Campus hosts Rowdy Rally, which includes a spirit rally, the Spirit of San Antonio marching band, Rowdy the Roadrunner and food. On game day the Alumni Tailgate has already taken hold as a favorite pastime at Roadrunner Station at the Alamodome. From there, attendees can watch the Spirit Walk, when SOSA and the cheerleaders lead the Roadrunners team on a parade through Roadrunner Station and into the Alamodome.

And things really rev up during Homecoming Week. This tradition began in fall 1985, prior to football’s arrival, to allow students and alumni to share in the excitement of university support. It features the selection of Mr. and Ms. UTSA, the themed Golf Cart Parade and Family Weekend. But two of the most anticipated highlights of the week are Best Fest, which began in 1978 and sees student-run food and entertainment booths set up to add to the week’s Fiesta atmosphere, and Rowdy Rampage, a concert, spirit rally and fireworks display.

Play Ball!

Contrary to some impressions created by our state’s ubiquitous love of football, it’s not the only NCAA sport at UTSA. The Roadrunners’ first football game took place in the Alamodome in September 2011, but way back in 1981, the men’s and women’s basketball teams began competition as NCAA Division I affiliate teams. The men qualified for the NCAA tournament in 1988, 1989, 2004 and 2011; the women qualified in 2008. UTSA hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament in 1998, 2004 and 2008 and the Women’s Final Four in 2002 and 2010; the university will be host again for the men in 2018.

Still not enough sports for you? UTSA women also complete in cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The men also compete in NCAA in baseball, cross-country, golf, tennis, and track and field.

Aglow with Spirit

Couldn’t make the game? Watch for a special orange glow at Main Campus’s John Peace Boulevard entrance. If the Monument Lights are all orange, there has been a game or tournament victory. So go ahead, smile with UTSA spirit and pride!

There’s an array of lighting schemes for the Monuments Lights to indicate various accolades and events at UTSA.