Sun Bowl Stadium

It took us over 30 minutes just to get into the stadium. There is only one way in and one way out. So the game was already 30 minutes in by the time we got in. The concession stands are set up right across from the restrooms, which was also the walkway to exit the stadium as well. Terrible design for any stadium. Especially for large events. Won’t go back again. #sunbowl

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Something out of a science fiction. Looks like a stadium was built around the mountains, well, because it is. In fact, it’s kind of in the middle of one. This makes this place uniquely different from any other ones that you can go. I, unfortunately, came here without an event, particularly football, but I got to check it out. I’m not sure why, but the gates were wide open and I walked into it and walked right up to the fifty yard line on the field. Having never been on the fifty yard line of any major stadium, I clearly got the perspective that football players saw. Very cool indeed. Maybe the next time I come back, I could see a UTEP game.

Yay! I can finally say I’ve been to a UTEP football game! And prior to going I thought I would be none too impressed, but no lie, I kind of want to go to every home game now.
My cellmate and I finally had a weekend available where we weren’t doing some ridiculously awesome activity at the same time as a UTEP game so we drove down to Sun Bowl Stadium on a chilly night. The stadium was only about ¹⁄₃ filled, but I suspect that’s because of the cold. We came prepared though with stadium seats, blankets, scarves, jackets, and gloves.
The game started right on time and I was extremely surprised to see how into the game the entire crowd was. Every one’s hooting and hollering when the other team is on O and they go wild for just about anything UTEP does! I just expected there to not be a large interest in UTEP sports and I’m so glad I was wrong.
The stadium itself is magnificent. A great scoreboard that you can see from any seat in the house, the jumbotron that’s constantly playing something or other, music playing in between plays, concessions available throughout, fireworks every time UTEP makes a touchdown, cheerleaders stunting, dancers doing their thing, the band puts on a pretty impressive show, and even the football players get into the hype. Oh and you get a pretty amazing view of the city! Great for the family, kids, a date, friends from out of town… anything really. It’s a great venue with great events!
There are a couple of things I missed out on that I’m definitely trying at the next game… beer, food, and tailgating.

The Sun Bowl Stadium, aka the Mineshaft, is awesome and one of a kind! No other stadium can claim they sit in the middle of a mountain, literally! The views of the El Paso and Juarez, Mexico are reason to come along, never mind the great events that are hosted here. It’s a large enough stadium to accommodate about 52,000 people yet there isn’t really a bad seat in the entire stadium.
There has been a couple of upgrades to the place and the jumbo screen has been nicely upgraded. The score board has also been upgraded and it really makes it all come together. Heck, even the play clock was upgraded and I can’t imagine how you can’t get a play off quick enough now!
Football games are awesome and the stadium hosts a variety of the typical stadium food you’d expect, but there are other minor restaurant eateries as well. Food is the typical price you’d expect from a stadium but on item I would highly recommend is the kettle corn popcorn! The kettle corn is absolutely reason alone to go to any event here or at the Bear’s Den. I’m not sure what it is about it but it is really delicious and there’s nothing better than getting a popped kernel loaded with butter and sugar! I buy the big bag and have plenty to take home and last me another couple of weeks… until it’s time to return to buy more!
Parking can be an issue and it’s kind of difficult to find a spot where you won’t get ticketed or towed away since it’s located in the hub of things on Mesa Street. The new Brio bus stations stop really close by so maybe I’ll try catching it and see how it goes.
Overall, where else can you go to see a great event while enjoying the outdoors, and taking in great views of the entire area!

I had an awesome time at the tailgate party eating Rudy’s BBQ and attend Miners vs Louisiana Tech game. Nice outdoor stadium! UTEP stadium has a nice outdoor atmosphere. Bring a jacket at this time of year because it gets chilly at sundown due to the mountains.

The Sun Bowl is a surprisingly good stadium, you get a very good view of the game from just about any section. It also provides scenic views of El Paso. Seating is comfortable, facilities are relatively clean, and concession stand food is generally good.
The stadium is home of the UTEP Miners, so the quality of the game varies, butt for rivalry games the atmosphere is good. Also home to the annual Sun Bowl game, and the occasional concert.