RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the game themes and promotional schedule for the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball seasons on Thursday.
The fun begins with a Dia De Los Muertos celebration during the season-opening doubleheader Nov. 2 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Fans can enjoy themed games and giveaways throughout the season.
Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets and mini plans at
UTRGVTickets.com or by contacting assistant athletic director for tickets and operations
Nicholas Swanson over the phone at (956) 665-4205 or via email at
tickets@utrgv.edu. Current UTRGV students get in free and can claim a ticket to every home basketball game through the Student Ticketing Portal on
MyUTRGV or at
GoUTRGV.com/StudentTickets.
School groups and groups of 10 or more interested in attending a game can reach out to the UTRGV Ticket Office over the phone at (956) 665-2327 or via email at
tickets@utrgv.edu.
2026-27 UTRGV Basketball Promotional Games
Monday, Nov. 2
Women's basketball vs. Arlington Baptist, 5 p.m.
Men's basketball vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville, 7:30 p.m.
Dia De Los Muertos
- Join us for a celebration of life and remembrance featuring themed do-it-yourself activities and a traditional Altar de Muertos in the Scholtzsky's Vaquero Village.
Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Men's basketball vs. Texas State, 6:30 p.m.
Orange Out
AVID Day
- Fans are encouraged to wear orange and bring the energy to show your Vaqueros spirit.
- Orange pom-poms giveaway while supplies last.
Wednesday, Nov. 11 – Women's basketball vs. Abilene Christian, 6:30 p.m.
Salute to Service
- Join us as we honor veterans and active-duty military members for their service and sacrifice.
- Veterans and active duty servicepeople can claim tickets through VetTix for the game.
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Women's basketball vs. North Dakota State, 6:30 p.m.
Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Driscoll Children's Hospital
- Bring a teddy bear to the game and toss it onto the court when told at halftime.
- All teddy bears collected from the halftime toss will be donated to Driscoll Children's Hospital to bring holiday cheer to children in their care.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Women's basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin, 2 p.m.
Men's basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin, 4:30 p.m.
Santa's Workshop
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day
- Get into the holiday spirit with a photo opportunity with Santa and fun do-it-yourself activities for kids in the Schlotzsky's Vaquero Village before both games.
- UTRGV faculty & staff will be eligible to claim up to four complimentary tickets for the event while supplies last.
Monday, Dec. 21 – Men's basketball vs. Lamar, 6:30 p.m.
Ugly Sweater Night
- Get in the holiday spirit and wear your best ugly sweater to the game.
Saturday, Jan. 2
Women's basketball vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 2 p.m.
Men's basketball vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 4:30 p.m.
South Texas Showdown, presented by Rally Credit Union
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day
- #BeatCorpus t-shirt giveaway for the first 400 fans at each game.
- UTRGV faculty & staff will be eligible to claim up to four complimentary tickets for the event while supplies last.
Saturday, Jan. 9
Women's basketball vs. East Texas A&M, 2 p.m.
Men's basketball vs. East Texas A&M, 4:30 p.m.
Pajama Jam
- Rock your comfiest pajamas and join us for a cozy day of Vaqueros basketball.
Monday, Jan. 11 – Men's basketball vs. Northwestern State, 6:30 p.m.
Vipers Night
- The Vaqueros and Vipers are continuing the 956 Hoops collaboration to celebrate basketball in the Rio Grande Valley. Vipers Night will feature appearances by the Snake Charmers, Fang, and players from the Vipers.
Thursday, Jan. 21 – Women's basketball vs. UIW, 6:30 p.m.
Throwback Thursday: 2000s
- We're bringing back the Y2K vibes! Join us for a night of nostalgia in your favorite 2000s fashion and enjoy the Y2K hits throughout the game.
Tuesday, Jan. 26 – Men's basketball vs. UIW, 6:30 p.m.
Community Heroes
Superhero Day
Greek Night
Battle of the Chambers
- Wear your favorite superhero attire and join us as we celebrate the real-life heros who make a difference in our community.
- Veterans and active duty servicepeople can claim tickets through VetTix for the game. First responders can claim tickets through 1stTix.
Thursday, Feb. 4 – Women's basketball vs. Nicholls, 12 p.m.
School Day, presented by Whataburger
Saturday, Feb. 6 – Women's basketball vs. LSU New Orleans, 2 p.m.
Support Women's Sports Day, presented by H-E-B
- Join us as we celebrate and show our support for women's athletics.
- The first 500 fans will receive a free Support Women's Sports t-shirt, presented by H-E-B.
Monday, Feb. 8 – Men's basketball vs. Nicholls, 6:30 p.m.
Battle of the Colleges
Student Org Night
- Watch as UTRGV's college deans battle in a halftime free throw contest.
- Bragging rights are on the line as UTRGV's academic colleges compete in an attendance challenge.
Thursday, Feb. 18 – Women's basketball vs. McNeese, 6:30 p.m.
#RallyTheValley Week
Breast Cancer Awareness
Orange & Gray Day
AD Honor Roll
- Join us as we kick off #RallyTheValley Week for a week of Vaqueros pride. Complete your #RallyTheValley passport and earn chances to win exciting prizes!
- Wear pink to raise awareness and show support for those affected by breast cancer. Pink pom-poms and ribbons will be given away while supplies last.
- UTRGV student-athletes will be recognized at halftime for making the AD Honor Roll.
Saturday, Feb. 20
Women's basketball vs. Southeastern, 2 p.m.
Men's basketball vs. Southeastern, 4:30 p.m.
#RallyTheValley Week
Champions Club Day
Varsity Club Day
- #RallyTheValley Week continues at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Complete your #RallyTheValley passport and earn chances to win exciting prizes!
Monday, Feb. 22 – Men's basketball vs. McNeese
#RallyTheValley Week
- #RallyTheValley Week continues at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Complete your #RallyTheValley passport and earn chances to win exciting prizes!
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