SAN ANTONIO -- On Aug. 31, the Alamodome will play host to a game unlike any other in the history of San Antonio football. For the first time, the city will be split as the two Division I football programs face off in a battle for San Antonio. 

The contenders could not be more different. UTSA is a massive public institution with more than 32,000 students. Incarnate Word, a smaller regional religious school, hosts barely 10,000 students. In the short football history of these two programs, they’ve never been peers. But on Aug. 31, those lines will be erased, and replaced by pylons. 

“It’s something that our city wanted, that we’ve adhered to to play this game,” UTSA coach Frank Wilson said. “We’re excited to play it and certainly giving our city something to look forward to is a big deal for us.” 

But for many of the players on the field, it’s more than just about entertainment. It’s about satiating a hunger that yearns in the belly of San Antonio for meaningful football. 

“We’re the only D-I programs in San Antonio right now,” said UIW defensive end T.J. Wright, who starred at San Antonio Taft. “It’s definitely a showcase. A lot of kids coming from Dallas, coming from Houston, say San Antonio kids can’t ball. This is the time to show out.”