The Rio Grande Rivalry is the name given to the New Mexico–New Mexico State football rivalry and known as the Battle of I-25. It is an intercollegiate rivalry between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University. The rivalry began in 1894. In comparison, New Mexico was a United States Territory from September 1850 to January 1912, when it became a member of the United States and the Union. For many years the rivalry was often referred to as the "Battle of I-25" in recognition of the campuses both being located along the Interstate Highway System.