TCU and Louisiana fans embrace green chile ahead of Isleta New Mexico Bowl

Old Town Plaza buzzed with energy Friday as Horned Frog fanatics and rabid Ragin’ Cajun supporters gathered for a boost before the big showdown: Saturday’s Isleta New Mexico Bowl.

The pep rally, a tradition held at the gazebo in the heart of historic Albuquerque, was a festive atmosphere that drew locals, out-of-town fans and curious tourists. Many Texas Christian and Louisiana-Lafayette fans arrived early, using the time to explore shops and taste some New Mexican food — the state’s signature red and green chile scored big.

“We’ve tried some New Mexican food since we’ve gotten here, and it’s really good,” said Haylee Blitch, a Louisiana fan. “We love the green chiles.”

Fellow Ragin’ Cajuns booster Sylvia Oats shared that her group planned to dine at High Noon restaurant, a landmark in Old Town.

And while they might not be rooting for the same football team, the two sides supported the same food, with TCU backer Marc Reed noting that green chile had become a must-try item for his group.

“We’ve tried a lot of green chile,” he said with a grin, “so we can cross that off the list.”

The nationally televised bowl game brings tangible benefits to the Duke City.

“I’m in an establishment in Old Town, and the place is absolutely full of people in TCU and Louisiana gear,” said Jeff Siembieda, executive director of the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, who added that some hotels were sold out.

“Anywhere you walk around town, whether it’s a hiking trail, a mall, or a restaurant, you can see the effect the game has,” Siembieda said.

At the rally, both the TCU and Louisiana-Lafayette bands and spirit squads took center stage, performing renditions of fight songs that had the crowd cheering in unison.

“It was a terrific turnout in Old Town,” Siembieda said. “Both bands came out, and the pageantry of college football was on display here in Albuquerque, right in the middle of Old Town.”