1. 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.
2. Trophy Cases
Right below the Hall of Fame banners is 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.
3. National Championship Banners
Hanging around the Don Haskins Center are a couple of banners honoring the school’s 1966 national championship winning team. The Miners have one on the concourse and one above the court, so make sure to see them both during your visit.
4. 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.
5. Battle of I-10: UTEP-New Mexico State
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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. UTEP-New Mexico Rivalry
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.
