RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that the Vaqueros football team will play its first four home games of the 2026 season at 7 p.m. and its last one at 5 p.m. at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium with a different theme for each game.
 
UTRGV hosts UT Permian Basin on Aug. 29 for Stripe Out Night, presented by Bert Ogden Auto Group, McNeese on Sept. 19 for Hispanic Heritage Night, Southeastern on Oct. 10 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, presented by H-E-B, and Lamar on Oct. 31 for homecoming at 7 p.m.
 
For Stripe Out Night, fans will be provided can follow the map indicating whether to wear orange or white based on the section in which they are sitting.
 
UTRGV hosts defending Southland Conference Champion Stephen F. Austin for Salute to Service and Senior Day on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
 
The first four games will be played during daylight savings time while the final game is during standard time. The earlier start time for the November home game allows fans to enter the stadium before the sun sets.
 
Tailgating begins seven hours before scheduled game time, meaning 12 p.m. for the first four games and 10 a.m. for the last one.
 
Gates to the stadium open 90 minutes before scheduled game time, meaning 5:30 p.m. for the first four games and 3:30 p.m. for the last one.

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