Football has arrived at UIW, and with it came tremendous school spirit. Students, employees and thousands of others in the San Antonio community came out in droves to Benson Stadium to support the Cardinals during their inaugural season.

At the first Cardinal football game against Monterrey Tech on Aug. 29, Benson Stadium was standing-room only. More than 6,200 fans filled the stands, temporary bleachers and the end zone, not to mention the tailgaters watching from behind the fence near the Convocation Center.

Students now have an even bigger reason to be proud to be a Cardinal. In addition to football, the season has brought the development of the Spirit of UIW, the umbrella program over all the Cardinal athletic spirit groups: the cheerleaders, dance team, flag team and mascot team. The brand new Cardinal Marching Band wowed the crowd from the stands at Benson Stadium.

Alumni were also caught up in the football spirit at the Alumni Red Zone, the official pre-game gathering for alumni and their families. Tickets for the first event sold out, and about 150 alumni celebrated together. Graduates enjoyed live entertainment and great food and fun before each home game.