Vaqueros Nation: UTRGV football has arrived 

The wait is over — UTRGV football is officially here. 

This weekend marks a historic milestone as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley hosts its first-ever District 1 football game in the Rio Grande Valley. This week’s episode of Vaqueros Nation is dedicated entirely to the launch of the program, exploring everything from its origins to the key players and coaches shaping its future. 

📺 Tune In:  

• CBS 4 – Saturday at 11:30 a.m.  

• NBC 23 – Sunday at 10:30 a.m.  

• KGBT 4.1 – Sunday at 11 a.m. 

The episode begins with an oral history of the UTRGV football program, tracing its roots to September 2022 when the initial announcement was made. Viewers will hear from UTRGV Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque, who shares how the vision for the program began to take shape. Head coach Travis Bush, appointed in December 2022, also reflects on the journey and what makes the program — and the Rio Grande Valley — a special place. 

(Photo: UTRGV Football)

The show then moves to the newly completed Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium, where players, coaches and staff offer a behind-the-scenes look at preparations leading up to the season opener. From long practices to final walkthroughs, the team has been working hard to make this historic debut a reality. 

Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)

Sports reporter Janelle Tanguma introduces “Vaqueros Nation: Unfiltered,” a new weekly show airing exclusively on the ValleyCentral+ app. The program will feature exclusive interviews with players, coaches and others connected to UTRGV and Texas college football. The app is now available for download on smart TVs. 

Vaqueros Nation: Unfiltered Courtesy of ValleyCentral

The episode also spotlights key players to watch this season, including quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger, offensive lineman Frank Medina and Harlingen native Nathan Huerta. These athletes share how months of preparation have led to this pivotal moment in their careers. 

UTRGV football players take the field during their first official football practice (Photo taken by Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)

For all these stories and more make sure to tune into this week’s all new episode and join us as well broadcast live on ValleyCentral + live from Robert and Jane Vackar Stadium this Saturday from 6-7 pm. 

Now you can stream your favorite local programs anytime with the all-new ValleyCentral+ app! Watch Vaqueros Nation, every newscast from NBC 23 and CBS 4, plus all of ValleyCentral’s original content — all in one place. 

Enjoy 24/7 access to shows like Vaqueros Nation, Inside Valley Politics, Movie Talk, and Vaqueros Nation Unfiltered — whenever you want, wherever you are. 

Download ValleyCentral+ today on your smart TV via Roku, Apple TV, or Firestick. Just search ValleyCentral+ and stay connected to the latest in local news, sports, and entertainment!