"This is a tremendous matchup to showcase the 10th annual Gildan New Mexico Bowl," said Jeff Siembieda, Gildan New Mexico Bowl Executive Director. "The history and geographical significance of this rivalry should make for a great day for the Wildcats, Lobos, and their passionate fan bases."
Arizona (6-6, 3-6 Pac-12), is eligible for the fourth straight year under head coach Rich Rodriguez. The Wildcats make their second appearance in the Albuquerque-based bowl game, having won 49-48 in the 2012 game against Nevada.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Wildcats back to our event," Siembieda said. "Their dramatic comeback victory in 2012 is one of the great moments in our history, and everyone involved with the Arizona program is first class. It's great to have them back."
New Mexico (7-5, 5-3 MW), is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2007. It is the third appearance in a bowl at University Stadium for the Lobos, having lost the inaugural New Mexico Bowl to San Jose State in 2006 and won the 2007 game over Nevada.
"It is good to see the Lobos back in the postseason, and I am glad to be able to have them back in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl," Siembieda said. "Coach Davie and his staff have a really good, exciting team in the midst of a special season."
These two programs are no strangers, having played 65 times between 1908 and 2007. Arizona leads the series, 43-19-3, but New Mexico won the last contest, 29-27, in Tucson on Sept. 16, 2007. These two teams have faced off once in a bowl game, the 1997 Insight.com Bowl in Tucson, which the Wildcats won, 20-14.
The Gildan New Mexico Bowl is one of 13 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN.
Tickets, which are on sale now, range from $25-40 and can be purchased at the University of New Mexico ticket office, located in The Pit, online at www.unmtickets.com, or by calling 505-925-LOBO.