Miners Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Dana Dimel

Team Mascot: Paydirt Pete

Year Opened: 1963

Capacity: 51500

City / State: El Paso / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Battle of I-10

Rival Team: New Mexico State Aggies

UTEP and New Mexico State are both located along Interstate 10, which connects El Paso to Las Cruces. The proximity of these two universities has led to the establishment of a fierce rivalry on the gridiron that dates back 101 years to 1914 when the Aggies shutout UTEP 19-0. UTEP has gotten the better of New Mexico State since then having racked up 56 wins in schools’ 93 meetings.

Miners Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The entire town comes out for UTEP football games, as is tradition throughout the state of Texas where regardless of the level of play everyone has football fever. Every small town shuts down to support their local team, and El Paso is no exception. Local pride is instilled throughout the fan base, and you’ll find that these fans have an undying support for their Miners.

When tailgating at UTEP, you’ll find a wealth of tailgate options and places to tailgate, as football is big business in Texas. Kidd Field offers premium tailgating that is perfect for those of you looking to set up a tailgate party for a large group. At UTEP you’ll also find plenty of space to toss around the pigskin with friends as Glory Field provides an open space for engaging in activities. You’ll also find traditional parking lot tailgating as well as there are plenty of donor as well as free lots around the stadium to meet your tailgating needs.

If you’re looking for some pregame fun outside of the tailgating consult our bar recommendation list for some great options near the campus. The Entertainment District offers a wide variety of bars, nightclubs, restaurants of all kinds and most are only a 15-minute walk away from the stadium.  
No matter how you like to party before, a big game UTEP has you covered offering a wealth of tailgating options that few schools can match.

UTEP Miners cheerleaders
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UTEP Miners football players signing autographs
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UTEP cheerleaders parade
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UTEP Miners fans
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UTEP Miners fans
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Traditions

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UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame housed in the Larry K Durham Sports Center offers fans an excellent opportunity to relive some of the greatest moments in Miners history. Here you’ll find tributes to all-time greats across a variety of sports, so make sure to stop by when attending a UTEP game.

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Miner Alley

Located between the bookstore and the parking garage on Sun Bowl Drive, Miner Alley offers a great place for fans and students to tailgate before heading into the game. On game days the area is transformed into one of the main tailgating hubs, so make sure to stop by and get in the Miners gameday spirit.

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Kidd Field east of Sun Bowl Stadium Image Source

Kidd Field

Kidd Field is located to the east of Sun Bowl Stadium and offers you the opportunity to tailgate in style. At Kidd Field you and your 50 closest friends can rent tailgate tents for every UTEP home game. Tent rentals include chairs, tables, and the option to reserve caterers. Kidd Field is also home to the Miner Athletic Club Tailgate, which features food, drinks, and special giveaways.

UTEP Miners players playing at Glory Field Image Source

Play Area at Glory Field

If you like tossing the pigskin around before watching the game then be sure to stop by Glory Field. Glory Field allows you to experience the FieldTurf Classic HD CoolPlay surface found in Sun Bowl Stadium for yourself and is a great place to spend a Saturday morning tossing the ball around with your buddies.

Where to tailgate

Miners Stadium Guide

In Game

Welcome to El Paso where UTEP is the only game in town making UTEP a source of local pride among both fans and students. The Miners mean everything to the town of El Paso and it shows as the fans are among some of the most diehard you’ll find anywhere. The fans come out in droves to the Valley of the Sun with their faces painted and dressed head to toe in UTEP orange.

The fans make the in-game atmosphere an exciting experience by frequently belting out UTEP, screaming “Keep digging Miners,” and “chip away” when the Miners are down.  To keep yourself full of energy you’re going to need to eat a little something during the game and UTEP has you covered at the concessions stands with the favorites (hot dogs, burgers, chicken, etc.). The best concessions are found in the mini county fair style food court in the north end of the stadium. In this section, you can get your hands on Pizza, Turkey Legs, Tex Mex Nachos, and burritos to keep you going throughout the game.  

The location of Sun Bowl Stadium also enhances the incredible atmosphere provided by the fans. The comfortable weather all season and beautiful scenery make attending a game at UTEP a treat all season long. The stadium is placed right between two mountains providing you with a fantastic sunset view, and if you look to the southwest from the top, you can even see Juarez Mexico.

The UTEP fans’ strong support for their team and the beautiful location of Sun Bowl Stadium go a long way in creating one of the best atmospheres in Conference USA, so make a trip to El Paso to see the Miners play as soon as possible.

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Things to check out

mineshaft UTEP Miners football Pyrotechnics Image Source

The Mineshaft

Watch the Miners take the field in style as they climb down the steps onto field accompanied by pyrotechnics. The Miners entrance is one of the flashiest in Conference USA and will give you goosebumps.

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Paydirt Pete UTEP Miners mascot Image Source

Paydirt Pete

UTEP’s prospector mascot Paydirt Pete can be found on the sidelines at every Miners home football game. He can be seen riling up the crowd and performing a variety of different antics throughout the game, so keep your eyes open for him especially during stoppages in play.

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UTEP band Sound of the Southwest Marching Miner Regiment performance at football game Image Source

Sound of the Southwest Marching Miner Regiment

The UTEP band performs a wide variety of songs that get the fans up on their feet during the game. Their performances at halftime and before the game are awe-inspiring with their formation of a pick axe being among their most famous. Stay in your seat at halftime as you wouldn’t want to miss the band’s incredible performance.

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Fight Songs

  1. El Paso

    One of the best traditions at UTEP is the singing of the 1959 Grammy winner “El Paso” by Marty Robbins. The song has been sped up and made more upbeat becoming a tradition as well as a fan favorite. The song gives the crowd unmatched energy and will give even the out of town fan goosebumps when it is sung, so keep your ears peeled for this UTEP tradition.

    Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
    I fell in love with a Mexican girl
    Nighttime would find me in Rosa’s cantina
    Music would play and Felina would whirl

    Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina
    Wicked and evil while casting a spell
    My love was deep for this Mexican maiden
    I was in love but in vain, I could tell

    One night a wild young cowboy came in
    Wild as the West Texas wind
    Dashing and daring, a drink he was sharing
    With wicked Felina, the girl that I loved

    So in anger I
    Challenged his right for the love of this maiden
    Down went his hand for the gun that he wore
    My challenge was answered in less than a heartbeat
    The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor

    Just for a moment I stood there in silence
    Shocked by the foul evil deed I had done
    Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there
    I had but one chance and that was to run

    Out through the back door of Rosa’s I ran
    Out where the horses were tied
    I caught a good one, it looked like it could run
    Up on its back and away I did ride

    Just as fast as I
    Could from the West Texas town of El Paso
    Out to the badlands of New Mexico

    Back in El Paso my life would be worthless
    Everything’s gone in life; nothing is left
    It’s been so long since I’ve seen the young maiden
    My love is stronger than my fear of death

    I saddled up and away I did go
    Riding alone in the dark
    Maybe tomorrow, a bullet may find me
    Tonight nothing’s worse than this pain in my heart

    And at last here I
    Am on the hill overlooking El Paso
    I can see Rosa’s cantina below
    My love is strong and it pushes me onward
    Down off the hill to Felina I go

    Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys
    Off to my left ride a dozen or more
    Shouting and shooting, I can’t let them catch me
    I have to make it to Rosa’s back door

    Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
    A deep burning pain in my side
    Though I am trying to stay in the saddle
    I’m getting weary, unable to ride

    But my love for
    Felina is strong and I rise where I’ve fallen
    Though I am weary I can’t stop to rest
    I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle
    I feel the bullet go deep in my chest

    From out of nowhere Felina has found me
    Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side
    Cradled by two loving arms that I’ll die for
    One little kiss and Felina, goodbye

  2. Miners Fight

    Miners fight! Miners fight!
    And it’s goodbye to (opponent)
    Miners Fight! Miners fight!
    For we’ll put over one more win
    Miners fight!
    For it’s Miners that we love best
    Hail! Hail! The gang’s all here
    And it’s goodbye to all the rest!

  3. Miner Victory

    UP! Men of Mines, and hit the trail
    The Texas spirit shall not fail
    Miners Fight (FIGHT!), for the Right
    For the ORANGE and the WHITE!
    TAMP TAMP TAMP TAMP, Men of Mines
    TAMP TAMP TAMP TAMP, Men of Mines  Clear the way
    For it’s today
    We must gain the VICTORY!

  4. UTEP Fight Song

    Out in the west Texas town of El Paso
    Home of the River they call Rio Grande Down on the border, the town of El Paso Home of the Miners the best in the land.  Fighting to win, the Miners of UTEP
    Long live the College of Mines
    GO COLLEGE OF MINES!
    Loyal Forever we’re standing together
    Onward to victory, Orange and Blue!
    WE WILL BE TRUE!  Out in the west Texas town of El Paso
    Home of the River they call Rio Grande Down on the border, the town of El Paso Home of the Miners the best in the land. (YELL)
    Hey!
    GO MINERS GO FIGHT MINERS FIGHT
    GO
    FIGHT
    WIN MINERS WIN

Miners Bars & Restaurants

  1. Craft and Social

    Craft and Social beer

    Great craft beer and wine selection with a delicately tasty food menu.

    305 E Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, USA

    915-219-7141

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Later, Later

    Laterlater beer

    Great happy hour, awesome drinks, stunning service, beautiful atmosphere and such amazingly tasty food!

    109 N Coldwell St, El Paso, TX 79901, USA

    915-626-5351

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Monarch

    Monarch

    An awesome place with relaxed atmosphere, perfectly great food and such a friendly staff.

    204 E Rio Grande Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-533-4684

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Hope and Anchor

    Hope and Anchor

    A bar by the people, for the people. Epic patio bar.

    4012 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-533-8010

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Crawdaddy’s Bar & Grill

    Crawdaddys Bar and Grill

    Our restuaurant provides quality service and the best Cajun food around. The unique atmosphere is perfect for lunch, dinner, and late night snacks with cocktails.

    212 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-533-9332

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Rubiks Arcade Bar

    Rubiks Arcade Bar

    We are a bar with classic arcade games, pinball machines, racing games and a kitchen.

    4025 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-231-6750

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. Anson Eleven

    Anzon Eleven pizza

    Partake in a dining experience dedicated to the military man, the gentleman, the food connoisseur that was Anson Mills.

    Anson Mills Building, 303 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79901, USA

    915-504-6400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. The Rockin’ Cigar Bar & Grill

    The Rockin Cigar Bar and Grill

    Come check out our great menu items including a world famous Garlic Burger or our always naked wings that are covered in our sauces that we make per order and never in a batch.

    226 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-703-3742

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  9. House of Pizza Downtown

    House of Pizza Downtown

    Great pizza aroma around you and on your plate!

    O. T. Bassett Tower, 208 N Stanton St, El Paso, TX 79901, USA

    915 - 533 - 3424

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  10. Bush’s Chicken

    Bushs Chicken

    Bush's Chicken is a family oriented quick-service restaurant that offers the best chicken, the best tenders, the best tea...at the best value in Texas!

    3435 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. L & J Cafe

    L J Cafe

    Delicious food and drink, excellent service and a historic (now central!) location make the L&J Cafe an enduring favorite among locals and lucky travelers alike.

    3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903, USA

    915-566-8418

    Bar website

    cafe - mexican - $$

  12. Corralito Steakhouse

    Corralito Steakhouse

    Good Steak place with a nice cozy atmosphere and friendly staff!

    2725 N Mesa St a, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-533-8335

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  13. Ardovino’s Pizza

    Ardovinos Pizza

    A tradition of family, service, and genuinely delicious dining.

    206 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-532-9483

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Rib Hut

    Rib Hut

    Located in the heart of the Cincinnati entertainment district, the Rib Hut is walking distance to the University of Texas El Paso, making it the perfect place to grab a meal before or after the big game.

    2612 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-532-RIBS(7427)

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  15. Dayvasos El Paso

    Dayvasos El Paso

    Dayvasos is the success of mixing tomato cocktail juice and spices with unique flavors and quality ingredients, creating amazing flavors and for all the family members to enjoy.

    3737 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-235-3737

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  16. Little Shack

    Little Shack

    Amazingly tasty Mexican food at good prices and with such a friendly staff.

    2701 N Mesa St #200, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-321-1562

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  17. Crave Kitchen & Bar

    Crave Kitchen and Bar

    Crave Kitchen and Bar offers Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks and Take Out in a casual-fine dining restaurant that offers a Modern American menu in a stylish intimate yet comfortable setting.

    300 Cincinnati Ave, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-351-3677

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. The Pizza Joint

    The Pizza Joint

    Locally owned business happy to bring "pizza by the slice" to this awesome City.

    2900 N Mesa St f, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-533-4066

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  19. Mesa Street Bar & Grill

    Mesa Street Bar and Grill

    Grab a table for brunch, lunch, dinner or dessert, relax on our heated patio and enjoy the experience we’ve worked to create and perfect over the past 18 years.

    3800 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

    915-532-1881

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$