Fort Worth will host the first-ever international college football game on Saturday when the Texas Wesleyan University (TXWES) Rams face the Arkansas State University Campus Queretaro Red Wolves at Farrington field at 7 p.m.
The Red Wolves are student-athletes at a branch of Arkansas State University in Central Mexico, the first university in Mexico to offer the American model of education, according to its website.
The campus offers degrees that are valid in both countries by teaching a curriculum approved by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Mexican school hopes the game, dubbed the Global Clasico, helps to build a lasting relationship with TXWES and the community.
“I’ve told a lot of people, yes, this is a football game, but ultimately whatever the score is at the end of this game is not what’s important,” said Hugo R. Martinez, a chair for the matchup.
“What’s important is to give these players from Texas Wesleyan and Queretaro to have this cultural exchange, to communicate with people who may come from a different background but they have similar interests which is the love of football,” Martinez continued. “It’s just amazing to me how a sport like football can unite two amazing cultures to make this happen.”
The Mexican school funded its trip to the metroplex, and without a large enough budget to fly the team, they chartered a bus and made the nearly 1,000-mile, 20-hour trip, arriving Thursday morning.
Despite the extensive journey, the team did not head straight to their hotel, instead visiting AT&T Stadium in Arlington to tour the site where the Dallas Cowboys play.
“They didn’t want to stop at the hotel and shower and take nap and relax,” said Martinez. “They wanted to drive in straight to Arlington and go see the stadium.”
The game nearly took place two years ago, TXWES head football coach Joe Prud’homme said, but the pandemic canceled the plans. Football remained shut down in Mexico through last season, so the game was moved to this year.
“We want to do a great job for Fort Worth,” Prud’homme said. “I mean, we represent not only the United States but Fort Worth, and I just think it makes it a real special event.”
TXWES Athletic Director Ricky Dotson echoed this sentiment, noting the game’s historical significance.
“It’s certainly the first game in the history of Texas Wesleyan football where we’ve played an international opponent,” Dotson said. “This is a game that’s going to count in our standings. When you see games like this, for the most part, it’s usually an exhibition game. This is not going to be an exhibition game for us. It’s going to be a game that’s going to go on our record.”
In addition to the usual tailgating, there will be a concert with country music artist Deanna Wheeler before the game.
Martinez hopes for a big crowd at this history-making event.
“Come out and show these kids that we love sports and we’re gonna support any team that comes from so far away and give them a Fort Worth welcome.”
Tickets for the August 27 game are available for purchase here.