San Jose State-New Mexico football game relocated to San Jose due to COVID-19

The New Mexico Lobos announced on Monday that Saturday's scheduled home opener against the San Jose State Spartans has been relocated to San Jose because of health orders in Bernalillo County that are related to the worsening coronavirus pandemic. 

"We are thankful to everyone that worked behind the scenes to give our team an opportunity to compete," New Mexico coach Danny Gonzales said for the school's prepared statement. “We are excited to take the field and represent this city and this state, and we hope all of New Mexico watches on Saturday.”

Spectators will not be welcomed to CEFCU Stadium because of the health crisis. Tailgating on university grounds is prohibited. 

New Mexico was supposed to open its season against the Colorado State Rams over the weekend but had that game canceled "due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus in Bernalillo County." The Mountain West ruled that game a no contest and announced those teams will not face off this fall. 

Conference commissioner Craig Thompson previously said he believed the league would experience cancellations from the weekend of Oct. 24 through the middle of December. The two teams with the highest winning percentages will play in the conference title game. 

San Jose State defeated the Air Force Falcons 17-6 on Saturday to begin its campaign.