September 10, 2019
This Saturday, September 14, 2019, the University of New Mexico (UNM) will face off against Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s alma mater, the University of Notre Dame (ND), in South Bend, Indiana. To make things a little more interesting, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Mayor Keller announced a bet on the game, with each Mayor choosing to highlight local businesses, products, and sources of pride from their respective cities.
Mayor Keller, who is the 10th member of his family to attend Notre Dame, posted this video announcing his bet and which team he will be cheering on during the game at Notre Dame.
“I grew up watching Notre Dame and cheering for the Fighting Irish on TV and in person on many South Bend Saturdays, so I thought this would be a tough call. In the end, though, you have to be loyal to your hometown and hometown team—so this weekend I’ll be wearing cherry and silver and saying ‘Let’s Go Lobos!’”
The Albuquerque mayor is betting a selection from “ABQ in a Box” on UNM, which includes local salsa, piñon coffee, Walker’s popcorn, lavender lip balm, a Zia bottle opener and, of course, lots and lots of red and green chile and chile products.
Mayor Buttigieg responded by posting this video accepting the bet.
“This message is for Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, a great mayor whose great qualities include the fact that he is an alum of Notre Dame. Unfortunately, when it comes to the upcoming New Mexico versus Notre Dame football game, he has decided to side with his home city and home state over loyalty to the Fighting Irish.”
The South Bend mayor is betting a “Taste of South Bend”, which will consist of South Bend Chocolate company goods, locally roasted coffee, and some South Bend-related souvenirs.
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