The Gildan New Mexico Bowl has been a holiday tradition in Albuquerque since 2006. The game has always been played the weekend before Christmas and before this year it was the first of the Collage Bowl season. The Mountain West Conference has been affiliated with the Bowl game since its inception but this is Conference USA's first season as an affiliate the signed a six year contract to send a regional team. The original affiliate was The Western Athletic Conference (2006 to 2010) followed by the PAC-12 (2011-2013).
The Mountain West has the most wins as a conference with 5. Nevada is the only team to play in the Bowl game as a member of two conferences the WAC (2007) and the Mountain West (2012). Colorado State has the most wins at two in two appearances and still holds claim to the game's best individual rusher Gartrell Johnson with 285 yards in 2008.
The winner of the bowl game receives a custom made trophy from the ZIA Pueblo. It is 20-inch piece of pottery painted with Pueblo symbols, the New Mexico Bowl logo, football players, and the logos of the competing teams.
When attending the game make sure to arrive early and enjoy the fan fest which starts at 9:45am on game day.Tthe fan fest is New Mexico's largest tail gate party it is a free event that is open to everyone beginning at 8 a.m. There will be Live entertainment, food, and giveaways from game sponsors. The New Mexico Bowl will not be the only the only event the City of Albuquerque has to offer, while visiting this week you may find yourself with some spare time here is a list of thing to do while visiting the land of Enchantment.
Entertainment
Cliff's Magical Christmas: Cliff's Magical Christmas the Magic is Happening! Cliff's Amusement Park is decking the halls with thousands of sparkling lights, music, warm Christmas treats, face painting and, of course, exciting rides for the whole family. So pull on your mittens, come say hello to Santa Claus, ride the 120 foot tall Christmas tree, and experience the joy of Cliff's Magical Christmas. Admission includes lights, rides, Santa and train ride. Cliffs is located at 4800 Osuna Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87109. Admission is $16, Children 3 and under are free, admission includes lights and rides. Cliffs is open Thursday thru Sunday from 5PM to 9PM for more info visit Cliff's website
City of Albuquerque River of Lights: Come watch running animals, twirling snowmen, and Snoopy on the garden train, at the City of Albuquerque River of Lights. The River of Lights started in 1997 and has grown every year. Every Holiday season volunteers create new sculptures to add to the light displays found throughout the Botanic Gardens. The River Of Lights is Located at the Albuquerque Bio Park at 2601 Central Avenue Northwest Albuquerque, NM 87104. It is open from 6PM to 9:30PM every night Admission is $12 for tose age 13 and up, Children 3-12 are $6 and 3 and under are free for more info click here.
Breaking Bad Tours of Albuquerque: For those of you that are huge fans of the show here is a chance to visit some of the infamous locations where the iconic show filmed. Re-live the experience in the RV just like the one used on the show. Breaking Bad RV tours travels to 17 of the most popular sites on which may include Jesse's, The dog house, Tuco's headquarters, Civic Plaza, DEA building, Rail yard, Mexican mash unit, Los Pollos Hermano's, Crossroads hotel, Jane's apartment, Denny's, Walt's Car Wash, Walt's House, The Laundromat and more . The cost of the tour is $75 per person Tours run Thursday through Sunday at 11AM. If you plan on visiting buy your tickets in advance by clicking here.
ABQ Uptown: Shop outside in Albuquerque's revitalized uptown area. Visit the Newly opened Dave and Busters or catch a movie at the IMAX movie theater ABQ Uptown is your one stop for food and entertainment. See Albuquerque largest Christmas tree on display and catch the Holiday spirit. Visit ABQ Uptown's Website for a list of stores, restaurants, and hours.
Places to Eat:
Sadie's of New Mexico: Enjoy some of Sadies award winning New Mexico food or pick up some of their famous New Mexican Chile sauces. The original Sadie's restaurant opened in the 1950's and seated just nine people, today there are four different locations that can accommodate hundreds. Visit Sadies website for hours, locations, menus and the history of this iconic eatery.
Fuddruckers: Fuddruckers restaurants can be found in Texas and New Mexico but none of the franchise outside of Albuquerque has the claim of have the State of New Mexico's best green Chile cheeseburger. Fuddruckers won the 2014 New Mexico State Fair Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. Fuddruckers was also named Best of the City by Albuquerque Magazine. Visit the company's website for hours and locations.
For other events and ideas visit this website because Albuquerque has too much to offer to list in one article.