UTEP Miners Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Joe Golding

Team Mascot: Paydirt Pete

Year Opened: 1977

Capacity: 11892

City / State: El Paso / Texas

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle of I-10: UTEP-New Mexico State

Rival Team: New Mexico State Aggies

New Mexico State is UTEP’s biggest rivals, and the two have squared off on the hardwood over 200 times. Both teams were at their best in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but you’ll still be in for a great contest when attending a UTEP-New Mexico State basketball game so make sure to get your tickets when the Aggies come to town.

UTEP Miners vs New Mexico Lobos

Rival Team: New Mexico Lobos

UTEP and nearby New Mexico have a fierce rivalry that will provide a fun game for any college hoops fan. UTEP-New Mexico may not be the first rivalry people think of when they think of college basketball, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find an intense atmosphere in The Don for this one.

UTEP Miners Stadium Guide

In Game

The 1966 UTEP, then Texas Western College, the basketball team is one of, if not the, most important teams in the history of basketball making a trip to see a Miners basketball game a must for any college hoops fan. The 1966 national championship winning side was the first team to start five black players, and you’ll see lots of tributes to the team around the arena during your visit.

In addition to the incredible history surrounding the program, UTEP is also home to a great in-game experience. The Miner Maniacs do a superb job of supporting their team and have helped UTEP achieve an impressive .773 home winning percentage over the years. The Gold Diggers dance team and Paydirt Pete also provide great in-game entertainment as well.

Finally, the area surrounding the Don Haskins Center is home to some great places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Rib Hut is home to some delicious barbecue, and the offerings at The Hoppy Monk and Cabo Joe’s will wet your whistle.

The history surrounding the UTEP basketball program makes a trip to El Paso a must for college basketball fans everywhere and the fun in-game atmosphere will keep you entertained throughout the game.

Things to check out

National Basketball Hall of Fame Banners

Hanging in the south concourse are banners honoring Don Haskins’ and the 1966 national championship winning team’s inductions into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. The 1966 team was the first team to win the NCAA title starting five black players, so stop by and check out the banners honoring this historic team.

Trophy Cases

Right below the Hall of Fame banners are several trophy cases. The cases contain a variety of conference championship trophies and other awards, although none stand out as much as the 1966 national championship trophy.

Don Haskins Portrait

Hanging in the south entryway is a portrait of the arena’s namesake Don Haskins. Stop by and see the portrait before taking your seat to remember the legendary coach.

Paydirt Pete

UTEP’s prospector mascot Paydirt Pete can be found on the sidelines at every Miners home basketball 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 the game.

play Watch video

Gold Diggers

The UTEP dance team, known as the Gold Diggers, are a big part of a UTEP basketball in-game experience. These talented dancers perform several times throughout the game and put on an incredible show, which will keep you entertained during stoppages in play.

play Watch video

Miner Maniacs

The Don Haskins Center is home to a phenomenal in-game atmosphere in large part thanks to the Miner Maniacs. UTEP students love their team and will stop at nothing to help them win. Enjoy the atmosphere provided by the Miner Manias, as they’re one of the best student sections in Conference USA.

play Watch video

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 whirlBlacker 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 tellOne 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 lovedSo 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 floorJust 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 runOut 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

UTEP 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 - $$$