In 2025, the Valero Alamo Bowl hosted 54,751 fans from across the country. For some, it was their first college football game experience, including a few of the 40 guests that attended as part of the Send a Kid to the Bowl Program presented by Vantage Bank.
Vantage Bank teamed up with the Valero Alamo Bowl for the third consecutive season to send families and students associated with House of Neighborly Service and Young Life San Antonio to the thrilling matchup between #16 USC and TCU.
“Creating lasting memories for kids in our communities is single-handedly our greatest joy at Vantage Bank,” said Curt Kruse, Vantage Bank Regional President. “The Send a Kid to the [Valero] Alamo Bowl sponsorship continues on as a blessing for our Bank to witness 40 smiles from kids within our local footprint. What an honor to love and serve our local kids with House of Neighborly Service and Young Life!”
In addition to witnessing the 4th overtime finish in Valero Alamo Bowl history, each guest had the opportunity to access the field during pregame warmups and experience personal interactions ahead of kickoff.
“Attending the [Valero] Alamo Bowl was definitely one of our highlights in 2025,” said Kaitlyn Cortez, House of Neighborly Service. “With two aspiring football players, it was in their words ‘a once in a lifetime chance’ for an opportunity to check out the field up close and personal. They were so appreciative, and it sparked a fire in them to attend college and play college ball.”
“It was a really fun opportunity to get out of the house, spend time on the field, and have a great night out with the boys,” said Patrice, Young Life San Antonio.
The Valero Alamo Bowl prides itself on giving back to the community and being more than just a game. Thanks to Vantage Bank, the Send a Kid to the Bowl campaign is an extension of the charitable efforts the Bowl prioritizes on an annual basis. Last season, the Bowl awarded a record-setting $1.28 million in local scholarships to 182 deserving students throughout San Antonio, hosted over 4,000 military service members and first responders, provided 54,090 meals to the San Antonio Food Bank, and awarded 30 local teachers classroom grants for the upcoming school year.
The Valero Alamo Bowl looks forward to its continued impact through the power of college football and working with its partners to make a difference in the community.
