RIO GRANDE VALLEY – It may not be the first official game, but the first opportunity to see the Vaqueros football team play in a game is as UTRGV is set to host its inaugural spring game on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial High School in Brownsville.
 
Gates open at 5 p.m.
 
The Vaqueros have split their roster and coaches into two teams for and orange and white intrasquad. The game will be played with four quarters and the occasional timeout. There will be a full halftime including a performance by the UTRGV marching band. The cheer, dance and drill programs will perform as well.
 
"It's going to be more of a fun atmosphere," UTRGV head coach Travis Bush said. "We're going to see where UTRGV football is right now and get a chance to see some of these players play."
 
The spring game signals the end of the spring practice period, during which UTRGV will have completed 15 practices. The Vaqueros practiced three times per week to prepare not only for the spring game, but the upcoming season, their first as an NCAA Division I football program.
 
Between the spring game and the first regular season game on Aug. 30, the Vaqueros will be busy. Student-athletes will begin summer workouts in June with training camp beginning at the end of July. Coaches will be focused on recruiting, taking advantage of the contact period that runs through May to visit high schools across the state. Additionally, the spring transfer portal opened Wednesday, another tool UTRGV can use as the coaches look to balance out the roster with more upperclassmen.
 
For now, though, the Vaqueros are excited in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd on Thursday.
 
Concessions
Multiple food trucks will be on-site selling food and drink. Fans are allowed to bring water bottles containing clear water only. All other outside food and drink, including, but no limited to, colored drinks and seeds, are prohibited.
 
UTRGV Merchandise
Vaquero Outfitters will be on-site selling UTRGV gear and merchandise.
 
Clear Bag Policy
Clear bags should be made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". Any plastic storage bags brought into the venue should be no larger than one gallon and must be both resealable and clear.
 
Small bags do not have to be clear but cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5" and are subject to bag checks.
 
Diaper and medically necessary bags do not need to be clear or meet size restrictions, but they will be screened prior to entry.
 
Any adult bringing in a diaper bag must be accompanied by a child upon entry and the bag must contain childcare related items, such as diapers, wipes, changes of clothes, bottles for breast milk or formula, baby food, etc.
 
Bags deemed to be medically necessary must be specifically necessary/required for medical equipment and accommodations that cannot fit within the small bag or clear bag sizing, such as an insulated bag with ice pack to keep medication chilled, oxygen tank carrier/bag, large bag to carry a lactation pump, etc.
 
Medically related items that can safely be stored and transported in a small clear bag will not qualify for a larger medical bag exception and should be brought in a bag that meets the small bag or clear bag requirements. Examples of medical items that will not qualify for an exemption include, but are not limited to, medication that does not need to be refrigerated, pill bottles, epi-pens, inhalers, etc.
 
Prohibited Bags
Prohibited bags include purses, cases (i.e.: for cameras or binoculars), backpacks, fanny packs, printed pattern plastic bags, reusable grocery totes, tinted plastic bags, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags, and large totes.
 
Bag Check
At any athletic event where alcoholic beverages are served, UTRGV Athletics will inspect all backpacks, purses, briefcases, and other bags upon entry in order to comply with all aforementioned rules and policies. Any guest who refuses to have their bag inspected will not be granted access to the venue. Bag checks are conducted to prevent the following items from entering the venue:
 

• Outside food and beverages (including alcohol)
• Weapons
• Any other banned prohibited items including laser pointers, fireworks and any other items deemed unacceptable by UTRGV Athletics.

Photo Policy
Only credentialed personnel are permitted to use professional cameras at UTRGV athletic events.
 
Fans are prohibited from bringing professional cameras, including any camera with detachable or interchangeable lenses, camera lenses wider than the camera body, or a fixed lens that is six inches or larger into UTRGV Athletics venues. Fans are also prohibited from bringing camera bags, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks into UTRGV Athletics facilities.
 
Personal handheld cameras, including those inside phones, are permitted. However, in no instance may photography interfere with access ways, seats, aisles, or other guests' enjoyment of the game. Additionally, flash photography is strictly prohibited.
 
Fans are prohibited from selling any photos taken at UTRGV athletic events.
 
Service Animal Policy
Pets are normally restricted at athletic events. However, under federal law, service animals are not excluded from athletic events or activities so long as they meet the guidelines set forth in this policy. Service Animals are defined as animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities such as:
 

• Guiding people who are blind
• Alerting people who are deaf
• Pulling wheelchairs for those with limited mobility
• Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
• Performing other special tasks

 
Service animals are working animals, not pets.
 
Political Campaigning
Political campaigns and individuals running for public office are required to follow UTRGV Campus Political Activity Guidance.