2023 UTEP Football • September 2

UTEP vs. Incarnate Word

September 2, 2023

Table of Contents

Portions of this game program were submitted in late August 2023 and do not reflect changes in team personnel over the course of the season.

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Contributors

Mark Brunner

Front Cover Design

Christopher Muñoz

Advertising

Ricardo Romero

Photography

Mark Lambie, Brian Kanof, Ruben R. Ramirez, Michael P. Reese, Jorge Salgado, University Communications, Josh McDaniel, MinerVision

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UTEP Leaders (0-1, 0-1 Conference USA)

Incarnate Word Leaders (0-0) 2022 NUMBERS

‘23 MINERS

Kelly Akharaiyi

Josiah allen

#4 WR

#22 CB

Praise amaewhule

#23 DE Luis Carlos Aranda

#56 OL Jeremiah ballard

#0 WR

AJ Barton Marcus Bellon

#77 OL #7 WR Rolando beltran

#63 OL Jalile bost

#81 WR

Elijah Boyd

#84 TE Amier Boyd-matthews McKel broussard

#14 CB #24 S Torrance burgess jr.

#5 RB Davis Burns

#27 S

John burris iii

#18 CB Kenny byrd Juan camacho jr.

#20 LB #89 TE

Stefan Cameron

#21 CB Jostein clarke

#9 WR

Valentino diaz

#53 DE Justin duff Aaron dumas

#46 LS #21 RB Jael duran

#62 OL Joshua dye

#27 RB

Josiah dye

#25 S Nate dyman

Ivan escobar

#30 LB #53 OL

Zachary essih

#35 FB Judah ezinwa

#17 TE

Chase bibler

#40 DL

Lucas flores Mike franklin

#86 WR #24 RB Zach Fryar

#87 TE Javoni gardere

#12 WR Jagves garnett

#65 DL Ryan Gonzales Dante Granados

#18 WR #92

#42 LB Josh hancock

#39 LS

Deion Hankins Gavin hardison

#3 RB #2 QB Kheagian heckaman

#32

henry

#74 OL Zuri henry Steven hubbard

#54

Trejon hugue

#12 S Jayce Hunter

#13 S Kevin Hurley

#10 QB Kobe hylton Joseph immediato

#2 S #60

Ilijah johnson

#32 CB KD johnson

#7 DL Xavier johnson

#34 RB Ezell jolly Elijah Klein

Joey lightfoot

#69 DL Julian lopez

#43 TE Sedrick luke

#64

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UTEP Miners Roster

UTEP Miners Roster

Incarnate Word Cardinals Roster

Incarnate Word Cardinals Roster

FOOTBALL FEATURE: Keenan Stewart

By Mark Brunner Strategic Communications

UTEP senior defensive lineman Keenan Stewart is one of the leaders on the 2023 team, but that’s a far cry from where he thought he’d ever be when he started playing the sport.

He began in fifth grade and was too big to compete against others in his elementary school, so he faced off against kids in the Metro Youth Football League. He continued to develop and eventually became a prep standout for Jefferson HS in Iowa.

His pure talent led to him earning Class 4A District 5 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and a chance to hone his craft at Iowa Western CC.

“I didn’t realize I could go fur-

ther until I went to JUCO,” Stewart said. “I was just having fun in high school, and it was nothing serious for me. I never really took it seriously (beforehand) and didn’t lock in until I got to junior college. I realized this school stuff and this football stuff really matters and it could get me an education.”

It has certainly done that, with Stewart having earned his undergraduate degree.

“I’m graduated and I got my degree in multidisciplinary studies,” Stewart said. “My family all just wanted me to get my degree, and I’d told them I’d get it. They were really proud of me. I’m glad I could. It’s a big accomplishment for them that I could go to college. I’m here for football, but I’m happy I got my degree. They just wanted me to set the example for my younger sister and cousins.”

UTEP associate head coach/ defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach Matt Wallerstedt is thrilled for Stewart having secured his degree.

“For him to come here, get his degree in that back pocket and

walk (across the stage), first and foremost that’s what we stress here,” Wallerstedt said. “Let’s make sure you get a good degree here. That’s what is going to propel you in life as you prepare yourself for possibly the next level in football.”

Stewart has also grown into a player who sets the example for other members of the team.

“He’s got a strong voice and has really started to be more vocal (as a leader),” Wallerstedt said. “The guys look up to him because he played in 2020, he played in 2021 when we went to the bowl game and the locker room and character of this team really flipped. He’s been through the whole gambit, and the guys really believe in him. He’s a guy who has produced on the field.”

The native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, knows he wouldn’t be in the position he is without his family, and that’s who inspires him every time he steps between the lines.

“I play for my family, especially my grandparents, my uncle and my momma,” Stewart said.

(continued on page 18)

“They’re the reason I’m here. They bought my plane ticket for the first time I was getting out here, and they just work together to help me out. I just love my family, and that’s who I play for.”

He’s continued to develop and grow as a player after joining the Miners, which is something Wallerstedt has truly appreciated.

“I’m kind of a boisterous and pretty aggressive coach at times,” Wallerstedt said. “They (the defensive line) hadn’t been around that much, but him embracing the way, listening and taking coaching, he and I working together, that’s been the most that I’ve really enjoyed. It’s been fun watching his process. He got here in 2020 and has really matured and grown up.”

He has been Honorable-Mention All-Conference USA in all three years of his career, but he’s pushing for even more in his final hurrah.

“I’m just putting my head down and am just working,” Stewart said. “I want to be first team all conference. That’s one of my personal goals that I set for myself.”

Stewart, who is a physical presence at 6-1, 294 pounds, helps set the tone for the Miners down low. He lives for those battlers in the trenches.

“We do get to set the tone, so I like that,” Stewart said. “If I’m being physical, I know the guys behind me are going to play up to our level. It’s just non-stop physicality (in the trenches), and I love it. It’s the only time you can put your hands on somebody and not get in trouble.”

He has a much different personality off the field, but that’s the type of player Wallerstedt loves to coach.

“It’s an interesting deal, but that’s kind of the guys you want,” Wallerstedt said. “He steps between the lines and turns the switch on. He definitely does that, but yet he’s such a good, young man off the field. He’s really reserved and low key. He really kind of keeps to himself. He’s not flamboyant or out a lot.”

As much as Stewart enjoys banging down low on the field, he also embraces his down time as well.

“Off the field, I keep to myself, stay in my room and play the games (on PS5),” Stewart said. “I’m just chilling. When it’s football, it’s football, but when I’m in my room I’m just laid back, hanging out and relaxed. I play Call of Duty, Madden. I’m a defensive line guy, so I don’t have a favorite team (to play with), so I go with the defensive linemen. I’m going to get the Browns, the Chargers because the Browns have Myles Garrett, and the Chargers have Joey Bosa.” When he was growing up, one of his favorite things to do was to spend time with his grandpa.

“When I was a little kid, I flew the little remote-controlled airplanes with my grandpa,” Stewart said. “I really liked that, and when I grow up, I’m going to do that with my kids. It’s going to be my hobby.”

For the immediate future, though, Stewart is focused on football, first for the 2023 season and then later the possibility of playing professionally.

“If I can play pro, I will,” Stewart said. “But right now, I’m just focused on the next game. When that (opportunity) comes, I’ll work on that.”

Dana Dimel was named the 26th head coach in UTEP football history by Director of Athletics Jim Senter on Dec. 6, 2017. He enters his sixth season as UTEP head coach and his 12th season overall as a head coach in 2023.

UTEP finished 5-7 overall in 2022, coming within one win of securing back-to-back bowl bids for the first time in 17 years.

The Miners opened the campaign 1-3, but rebounded to win three of the next four games to even their mark at 4-4. Along the way, UTEP defeated heavily-favored Boise State, 27-10, on Sept. 23 on CBS Sports Network. The contest was highlighted by a Marcus Bellon 47-yard punt return for a touchdown that put the Miners up 20-10 late in the third quarter, and El Paso product Reynaldo Flores’s late rushing score to hammer the final nail in the coffin. UTEP followed that victory with another at Charlotte the following week, 41-35, on Oct. 1. It was the first win ever in the Eastern Time Zone for the program. The Miners scored two defensive touchdowns against the 49ers on a Tyrice Knight 13-yard fumble return and a 100-yard scoop-and-score from Jadrian Taylor. It was the first time the UTEP defense scored two touchdowns in a game since the 2014 season. Deion Hankins added 112 yards rushing, while Tyrin Smith reeled in four balls for 106 yards and two touchdowns. The Miners came up with a huge victory on Oct. 22 as Gavin Baechle nailed a game-winning, walk-off 27-yard field goal to defeat Florida Atlantic, 24-21. Win no. 5 came

UTEP Head Coach

Dana DIMEL

Kansas State ‘86 Sixth Season at UTEP 12th Season as a Head Coach

against FIU, 40-6, on ‘Senior Day.’ Flores clipped the Owls for 128 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns in his final game in the Sun Bowl. The Miners concluded the season at no. 25 UTSA, and took a 24-0 lead at the midway point of the second quarter. But the Roadrunners rallied to win 34-31.

Following the regular season, multiple Miners were honored with postseason awards, highlighted by Baechle’s 2022 Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year honor. With that, Baechle, Jeremiah Byers, and Taylor were named All-C-USA first team, while Praise Amaewhule, Hankins, Knight and Angelo Tejada were announced to the second team. The seven combined student-athletes on the all-conference team were the most since UTEP had nine players named to the 2006 team.

Twelve other Miners were named to the Honorable Mention list, including Dennis Barnes, Bellon, Steven Hubbard, Kobe Hylton, Elijah Klein, Justin Mayers, Andrew Meyer, Kelton Moss, Joshua Sloan, Keenan Stewart, Tyrin Smith, and Cal Wallerstedt.

The Miners were no. 1 in total defense in C-USA. The run defense ranked second in C-USA (136.0 ypg), while the pass defense ranked third (216.5) in the league. Taylor led the conference with 9.5 sacks, while Knight and Wallerstedt each totaled a teamhigh 95 tackles and ranking tied 10th at 7.9 tackles per game.

Offensively, Smith gained 1,039 yards on 71 receptions and seven touchdown receptions.

Smith was only the eighth UTEP receiver all-time in program history to gain over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. Smith was also one of three C-USA WRs to gain 1,000+ yard in the air during the ’22 campaign.

Ronald Awatt led the Miners with 734 yards rushing to conclude his career, while Hankins tallied 701 yards and three scores. Flores gained 276 yards and led the team with five rushing touchdowns.

Following the campaign, Awatt signed a free-agent contract with the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers on April 29.

His first three seasons were all about laying the foundation for the revival of UTEP Football. The Miners experienced a wealth of success, finishing the regular season with a 7-6 overall record in 2021 – the first winning season in seven years. UTEP advanced to the PUBG MOBILE New Mexico Bowl against Mountain West program Fresno State. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing and defensive end Praise Amaewhule were selected as first team All-Conference USA performers, while linebacker Breon Hayward was selected second team All-C-USA.

The Miners opened the campaign with a convincing victory at NM State, defeating the Aggies 30-3. The triumph halted a threegame losing streak against the I-10 rival. UTEP proceeded to a 2-0 record after beating Bethune-Cookman, 38-28, in the Sun Bowl. After a setback at Boise State, the Miners went a four-game winning

streak – defeating New Mexico (20-13), Old Dominion (28-21), Southern Miss (26-14) and LA Tech (19-3). The victory against the Bulldogs was the first for the Miners since 2004, and first win against LA Tech in El Paso since 1939. The Miners’ 6-1 start was the first since 2005. UTEP won game no. 7 on ‘Senior Day’ against Rice, 38-28, to clinch a winning campaign.

The Miners averaged 393.0 yards of total offense in 2021, the

Dimel File

Personal

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Education

College: Kansas State

Playing Experience

1983-84: Hutchinson CC

1985-86: Kansas State

Coaching Experience

2018-Present: UTEP

Head Coach

2011-17: Kansas State

Co-Offensive Coordinator

2009-10: Kansas State

Co-Offensive Line Coordinator

2007-08: Arizona

Assistant Head Coach

2006: Arizona

Assistant Coach

2000-02: Houston

Head Coach

1997-99: Wyoming

Head Coach

1995-96: Kansas State

Offensive Coordinator

1993-94: Kansas State

Run Game Coordinator

1989-92: Kansas State

Assistant Coach

1987-88: Kansas State

Graduate Assistant

most since the 2009 season.

UTEP averaged over 140 yards on the ground, led by Ronald Awatt’s 844 yards and six scores. Deion Hankins also rushed for six touchdowns in 2021, while gaining 458 yards.

The Miners averaged 252.5 yards passing per game, led by Gavin Hardison. The redshirt junior QB ranked third in Conference USA in passing yards per game (247.9), while tossing for 18 scores and 3,217 yards (fifth-most passing yards during a single season in program history). He was named honorable mention All-CUSA. Hardison was the first UTEP signal caller since 2009 to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season, while his TD tosses were the most since 2010. UTEP liked to air it out, ranking first in C-USA and third nationally in passing yards per completion (16.4).

Hardison played behind an O-line that ranked tied third in Conference USA in sacks allowed per game (1.46), while ranking tied 21st nationally.

Cowing produced career and program records during the 2021 season. Cowing’s career-high 1,354 yards receiving ranked second on the program’s all-time single-season list, while also being the first Miner since 2010 to gain over 1,000 in the air. Cowing’s eight 100-yard games was the most by a Miner since 1965. Cowing added seven receiving touchdowns and a 53-yard rushing score.

Justin Garrett also produced career numbers during the 2021 campaign. He set career bests in receiving yards (685), receptions (50), yards per catch (13.7) and touchdowns (four in his final season at UTEP.

Tyrin Smith, UTEP’s third option at WR, put up solid numbers. The transfer from Cisco College gained 570 yards on 33 receptions (17.3 avg.) and found pay dirt four times in his first season as a Miner.

UTEP’s starting tight end Trent Thompson scored four touchdowns, including a 51-yard score at the New Mexico Bowl. Thompson caught nine passes for 133 yards during the season. Rey Flores, an El Paso product

from Ysleta High School, gained 334 yards of all-purpose yards. The running back/wide receiver rushed for 130 yards and tallied 204 receiving yards on 13 catches (15.7 avg.). He added a two-point conversion at UAB.

UTEP ranked 18th national ly in time of possession (31:51). The Miners’ red zone offense (85.0 percent) ranked third in the C-USA.

UTEP ranked second in Con ference USA in total defense (348.8) – the highest ranking in total defense in over 12 seasons. The Miners ranked fourth in the league in scoring defense (25.2), the highest since 2012, while it was the lowest points yielded by a UTEP defense since 2004 (25.1). The Miners’ rushing defense (138.6) ranked fifth in C-USA, while their third-down conversion per centage defense (32.6) ranked second in the C-USA and 12th na tionally.

UTEP’s defense harassed sig nal callers with 25 sacks during the 2021 season, the most since 2014. Jadrian Taylor, a 2021 hon orable mention All-Conference USA defensive end, led the Min ers with 6.5 sacks, and ranked sixth in C-USA. Amaewhule tal lied 5.5 sacks to rank second on the squad. Amaewhule, who was named first team All-C-USA, also led the Miners in tackles for loss (13.0), quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (three).

The Miners’ passing defense ranked third in C-USA, giving up only 210.0 yards per game. It was the highest ranking by a UTEP pass defense since 2016. UTEP picked off eight passes, the most since 2014. Dy’vonne Inyang led the squad with three interceptions, while Dennis Barnes picked off two passes. Both were named honorable mention All-C-USA.

A pair of UTEP linebackers tallied over 100 tackles each. Hayward (108 tackles) and Tyrice Knight (102 tackles) accomplished the feat for the first time since the 2005 season. Hayward added a defensive touchdown at Southern Miss on a fumble forced by Amaewhule.

Defensive tackles Keenan Stewart and Kelton Moss were tabbed honorable mention All-C-

USA after combining for 58 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and a QB hurry each. Stewart registered 2.0 sacks on the season while Moss recorded a key fumble recovery during UTEP’s come-from-behind win against rival New Mexico.

In 2020, the Miners began to see results, as they tripled their win total while putting a much more talented and competitive product on the field. Two Miners -- Amaewhule and Cowing -- earned second team All-League honors, and two others -- offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers and running back Hankins -- were tabbed to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. Amaewhule ranked second in C-USA and 13th nationally in sacks (0.88 per game), and Cowing was second in C-USA in receiving yards per game (86.4). Hankins set UTEP freshman records for rushing yards (592) and rushing touchdowns (nine). He was third in C-USA in rushing touchdowns, and fifth in rushing yards per game (84.6).

A trio of talented underclassmen -- Cowing, Hankins and quarterback Gavin Hardison (1,419 yards passing in seven games) -- spearheaded the Miner offense in 2020, while senior wide receiver Justin Garrett chipped in with 38 catches for 510 yards. Meanwhile, the UTEP defense was also vastly improved from 2019, as Amaewhule led a unit that produced 47 tackles for losses and 13 sacks in the shortened campaign.

In 2019, Cowing led all Conference USA freshmen with 550 receiving yards. Cowing and Garrett both came on strong to conclude the campaign with 441 and 370 receiving yards respectively over the final six games. Cowing wasn’t the only true freshman to make his mark in C-USA in 2019. Amaewhule was tabbed to the league’s All-Freshman Team after tying for the team lead in tackles for losses (5.5) and sacks (three).

In 2018, Dimel led the Miners to their first victory in two years -- a 34-26 triumph at Rice. Dimel’s

first UTEP team featured second team All-Conference USA graduate transfer linebacker A.J. Hotchkins, who tied for the league lead with 126 tackles and finished 17th nationally in tackles per game (10.5). The 2019 Miners had two second team All-Conference performers in senior defensive end Denzel Chukwukelu, who tied for the team lead in tackles for losses (5.5) and sacks (three), and senior center Derron Gatewood, who made a productive return to the starting lineup after missing the entire 2018 campaign due to injury.

Numerous Miners have garnered honorable mention All-Conference USA accolades under Dimel, including defensive back Nik Needham in 2018. Needham finished his career as UTEP’s alltime leader in pass breakups (33) and is currently with the Miami Dolphins.

Dimel was previously the head coach at the University of Wyoming and the University of Houston. He served as the offensive coordinator, running backs coach and tight ends coach at his alma mater, Kansas State University, from 2009-17. He also spent three seasons on the staff at the University of Arizona.

Dimel completed his third tour of duty with the Wildcats, including a year (2005) continuing work on his graduate degree. Working under legendary coach Bill Snyder, he was a part of 12 bowl teams during 19 seasons in Manhattan. The Wildcats posted an 11-win season (2012), two 10win campaigns (1995, 2011) and five nine-win seasons (1993, 1994, 1996, 2014, 2016) during that span, and finished in the top-18 of the national poll on three occasions (2011, 2012, 2014). They won the Big 12 championship in 2012.

Dimel compiled the most wins of any active offensive coordinator in college football from 2011-17 (61), and was a part of eight straight bowl appearances including in 2017. The 2016 Wildcats defeated Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU. With Dimel calling the plays over seven seasons, the Wildcats averaged 33.4 points per game and 6.2

yards per play. They ranked third nationally in fewest turnovers per game behind LSU and Alabama from 2011-17.

During Dimel’s tenure as offensive coordinator, Kansas State routinely ranked among the nation’s best teams in red zone and third down efficiency. In 2016, Kansas State rated 10th in the country in red zone offense and 22nd in third down conversions behind a rushing attack that rated third-best in the Wildcat record book (3,013 yards).

In 2014, Kansas State led the nation in scoring efficiency (scoring drives/total drives), while the Wildcats ranked 11th in the country in team passing efficiency, 14th in red zone offense, 16th in passing offense and 24th in scoring offense. K-State was also 25th in third down conversions and 12th in fourth down conversions while shattering the school record for passing yards (3,736) and completion percentage (65.3). The Wildcats tallied 5,481 yards of offense (fourth in the school record book) and 465 points (sixth).

Dimel’s play calling helped wide receiver Tyler Lockett leave K-State with the school’s career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdown records, while quarterback Jake Waters broke the school marks for single-season passing yards (3,501) and total offensive yards (3,985).

Dimel’s units found success again in 2013 as K-State rated eighth nationally in yards per completion and 13th in passing efficiency, while the Wildcats ranked fifth and third in school history in those respective categories. One of the best offenses in the nation on third downs (No. 13) and inside the red zone (No. 27), K-State ranked in the top-10 in school history in yards per play (second), total yards (fifth), passing yards (fifth) and points (eighth). John Hubert concluded his career as the Wildcats’ no. 2 all-time leading rusher with 2,993 yards.

The 2012 season was another banner year on offense as Dimel co-coordinated an offense that finished in the top-25 nationally in nearly 10 categories, including a ninth-place ranking in yards per attempt, 11th in scoring offense

and 13th in yards per completion. That year Dimel coached Heisman Trophy finalist Collin Klein, who passed for 2,641 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 920 yards and 23 scores.

In 2011, Dimel led a rushing offense that saw Klein set a new Big 12 record and NCAA record by a quarterback with 27 rushing touchdowns while surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark on the season.

In 2010, the Wildcat offense ranked third in the Big 12 and in the top-25 nationally at 33.6 points per game. K-State was also ranked among the top-10 teams in the country in total red zone efficiency and No. 1 in touchdown percentage in the red zone.

In 2009 and 2010, Dimel had the charge of molding a former community college quarterback into a physical running back in the Big 12 Conference. That player was Daniel Thomas, and 2,850 yards and 30 touchdowns later, Thomas left Kansas State as a twotime Big 12 rushing champion, an All-American and the school’s no. 3 all-time rusher.

Dimel started his career at K-State as a graduate assistant from 1987-88 prior to being elevated to offensive line coach in 1989. He took over as offensive coordinator in 1995. Overall Dimel spent 10 seasons in Manhattan (1987-96) prior to accepting the head coaching position at Wyoming. At the time of his hire, he was the youngest Division I-A head coach in the nation at the age of 34.

Wyoming’s three seasons at Wyoming (1997-99) produced a record of 22-13, with one eightwin season (1998, 8-3) and two seven-win campaigns (1997, 7-6 and 1999, 7-4). The Cowboys posted a combined conference mark of 14-9 while splitting time in the Western Athletic Conference (1997-98) and the Mountain West Conference (1999). In 1998, Wyoming was 6-2 in the WAC’s Mountain Division, good for a second-place finish. Dimel coached three Academic All-Americans at Wyoming.

Dimel spent 2000-02 as the head coach at Houston. Spearheading a major rebuilding effort,

he led the Cougars to five wins in 2002 following a 0-11 campaign in 2001. In Dimel’s final game with the Cougars, Houston upset conference champion Louisville. Dimel brought in the top-ranked recruiting class in Conference USA in both 2001 and 2002 and coached Joffrey Reynolds, who broke the C-USA season rushing record with 1,545 yards.

He continued work on his graduate degree at Kansas State in 2005 prior to taking over as Arizona’s tight ends coach and, eventually, run game coordinator from 2006-08. In 2008, he added running backs to his list of responsibilities as he was promoted to Associate Head Coach with the Wildcats. The 2008 Arizona squad finished 8-5 while posting a bowl victory (Las Vegas Bowl) for the first time in 10 years. Among Dimel’s protégés at Arizona was Rob Gronkowski, who emerged as one of the top tight ends in NFL history with the New England Patriots.

During his initial tenure at K-State, Dimel coordinated an offense that established school records for touchdowns, points and yards in 1995. He mentored 11 offensive linemen who went on to sign NFL contracts over those 10 years, while he was also instrumental in developing All-Americans Barrett Brooks, Jim Hmielewski and Quentin Neujahr. During his career as a head or assistant coach, Dimel has coached 37 players who have gone on to play in the NFL.

Dimel was a two-year letterman as an offensive lineman at Kansas State. He was a member of the Wildcats’ All-Decade Team for the 1980’s. He signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings and attended training camp in 1987.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Kansas State in 1986.

Dimel and his wife, Julie, have a son, Winston and a daughter, Josey. His son was a graduate transfer fullback on the UTEP football team in 2018. He previously played at Kansas State and scored 25 touchdowns over the three seasons. He was a three-time AllBig 12 player, garnering first team honors in 2015 and 2016.

UTEP Assistant Coaches

Offensive Coordinator/QB/WR

Scotty ohara

Arizona ‘08

Sixth Season at UTEP

16th Season as a Coach

Coaching Experience

2023-Pres. UTEP Offensive Coordinator/WR/QB

2021-2023 UTEP Passing Game Coor./Wide Receivers

2018-20 UTEP Wide Receivers 2017 Rutgers Offensive Assistant/QB Assistant

2015-16 Kansas State Ass. Dir. of Recruiting/Off. Assistant 2012-14 Kansas Offensive Graduate Assistant 2009-11 Menlo College

Defensive Coordinator/LB

Playing Experience

SMU (1982-86)

Coaching Experience

Special Teams Coordinator

Washington State ‘94

12th Season at UTEP (Second Stint)

30th Season as a Coach

Playing Experience

Washington State (1990-93)

CFL - Sacramento Goldminers (1994)

CFL - Edmonton Eskimos (1994)

AFL - Iowa Barnstormers (1995)

Coaching Experience

2021-Pres. UTEP Special Teams Coordinator

2019-20 Northern Arizona Sp. Teams Coor./RBs

2016 Humboldt State Off. Coor./QBs/WRs/Sp. Teams

2013-15 Tulane QBs/Special Teams

2004-12 UTEP Offensive Coordinator/QBs/WRs

2003 Alabama Quarterbacks/Special Teams

2001-02 Washington State Quarterbacks/Special Teams

Assoc. Head Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line

Kansas State ‘88

Sixth

Playing Experience

Kansas State (1984-88)

Coaching Experience 2022-Pres.

UTEP Assistant Coaches

Assistant Head Coach/ Running Backs

Offensive Line

Texas State ‘17

Sixth Season at UTEP

13th Season as a Coach

Playing Experience University of Houston (2002)

Texas State (2003-05)

NFL - Minnesota Vikings (2006)

CFL - Calgary Stampeders (2006-10)

Coaching Experience

2022-Pres. UTEP Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs

2020-21 UTEP Running Backs/Recruiting Coor.

2019-20 UTEP Recruiting Coor./Sr. Player Personnel Dir.

2018-19 UTEP Dir. of Player Personnel/HS Relations

2011-17 San Marcos Academy Quarterbacks

Defensive Pass Game Coordinator

Josh

Arizona ‘11

Third Season at UTEP (Second Stint)

23rd Season as a Coach

Coaching Experience

2023-Pres. UTEP Defensive Pass Game Coordinator

2022 Hawai’i Safeties

2020-2021 UTEP Safeties

2019 Nevada Safeties

2012-19 Cal Poly Defensive Coordinator/LB

2010-11 Cal Poly Special Team Coordinator 2009 Kansas Quality Control/LB

2007-08 Sacramento State Special Teams Coor./LB

2006 Arizona State Defensive Line GA

2000-05 Foothills College Special Teams Coordinator 1999 Gavilan College Assistant Coach

Tight Ends/Fullbacks

Kansas State ‘14

Second Season at UTEP 13th Season as a Coach

Playing Experience

Kansas State (2010-14)

Coaching Experience

2022-Pres. UTEP Tight Ends/Fullbacks

2021 Abilene Christian Offensive Line

2017-21 Kansas State Off. Quality Control & Assistant Dir. of Recruiting

2014-17 Kansas State Graduate Assistant

Indiana State ‘87

Sixth Season at UTEP

Playing Experience

Indiana State (1983-87)

NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1987-91)

Coaching Experience 2018-Pres. UTEP

Playing Experience

Kansas State (2010-14)

Coaching Experience

Kansas State ‘15

Second Season at UTEP

Second Season as a College Coach

2022-Pres. UTEP Safeties

2018-21 Arlington Seguin HS Coached DBs, WRs, Pass Game Coor./Varsity Squad

Asst. OL/Asst. Special Teams Coach

Humboldt State ‘18

Third Season at UTEP

Third Season as a Coach

Coaching Experience

2023-Pres. UTEP Assistant Offensive Line/Assistant Special Team Coach

2021-22 UTEP Quality Control Defense

2021 UTEP Graduate Assistant

UTEP Support Staff

Speed, Strength & Conditioning

Kevin schadt

Delaware ‘07

Sixth Season at UTEP

16th Season as a Coach

Coaching Experience

2018-Pres. UTEP Director of Strength & Conditioning

2012-17 Kansas State Assistant Strength & Conditioning

2009-11 Army Assistant Strength & Conditioning

2007-08 Delaware Assistant Strength & Conditioning

Assistant AD For Football Operations

Nate Poss

Rice ‘79/Sul Ross State ‘89

26th Season at UTEP

35th Season as a Coach

Playing Experience Rice (1973-76)

Coaching Experience

2013-Pres. UTEP Assistant AD/Director of Football Ops

1997-2013 UTEP Director of Football Ops

1994-96 Coronado High School Coach

1992-93 Greenwood High School Coach

1991 Kermit School Coach

1988-89 Sul Ross State RBs/DBs/Assistant Basketball Coach

Director of Recruiting/Player Personnel

Jimmy gonzales

Texas Luthern College ‘81

Third Season at UTEP

Director of Player Personnel

Justin garrett

UTEP ‘22

Second Season at UTEP

Playing Experience

UTEP (2018-22)

Experience

2022-Pres. UTEP Director of Player Personnel

Quality Control - Offense

Tramaine

Kansas State ‘15

Third Season at UTEP

Quality Control - Defense

Fairmont State ‘17

Third Season at UTEP

Graduate Assistant - Defense

LSU ‘19

Third Season at UTEP

Graduate Assistant - Offense

Winston dimel

Kansas State ‘18

Second Season at UTEP

Graduate Assistant - Offense

Nick

Kansas State ‘20

Second Season at UTEP

Graduate Assistant - Defense

Levi Dunn

Columbus State ‘20

First Season at UTEP

UTEP FOOTBALL

radio

‘23 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

All Times Mountain Beginning With The “Countdown To Kickoff”

The “Locker Room Report” Follows The Play-By-Play Coverage

with Jon Teicher, Cole Freytag & Mando Medina

The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving University. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 169 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

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School Name

The State School of Mines and Metallurgy opened in September 1914 because city leaders shared a vision for higher education. In 1920, it became known as Texas College of Mines (TCM). To better reflect its role as an expanding regional college campus, the school changed its name in 1949 to Texas Western College. In 1967, it became The University of Texas at El Paso.

School Colors

UTEP’s original colors were burnt orange and white, adopted from The University of Texas, and shared with UT San Antonio. In 1980, when President Haskell Monroe came to campus, he found

This Is UTEP

that many individuals desired to give UTEP an identity of its own by changing the school’s colors. Early on Dr. Monroe was presented with a proposal to change the colors to orange and blue. Unfortunately, UT San Antonio changed their colors to orange and blue just days before UTEP’s proposal was presented. This minor issue was quickly resolved by altering the shades of orange and blue. The chosen orange was more “brownish” than “burnt” and was thought to resemble the mountains at the pass. The blue was slightly darker than the blue being used by the old NFL team, the Houston Oilers; the color was identified as “El Paso Bright Blue Sky.” Officially, the academic colors of all the institutions in

the UT System were orange and white, but for athletic purposes, additional or substitute colors could be used with the Board’s approval. Monroe presented his argument and the color selection to the Board of Regents and they voted in UTEP’s favor.

Mascot Paydirt Pete

In the spring of 1919, the registrar for the School of Mines, Ruth Monro Augur, designed the institution’s first official seal. The seal featured a head of a spade with a mining burro superimposed on it. This burro, noted the Prospector student newspaper at the time, was to be the school’s first mascot.

The University of Texas at El Paso’s first live mascot was a burro. But Paydirt Pete — UTEP’s pickaxe-wielding mascot with the smooth mustache and square chin — has been an indelible symbol of the University’s athletic prowess and Miner spirit for more than 40 years.

Since 1974 when the moniker “Paydirt Pete” was adopted, fans have watched the mighty mascot undergo six incarnations.

Paydirt Pete started as a Disney-like character in 1980. He developed muscles and a smoking habit in 1983, but ditched the cigar three years later. Pete exchanged his mining helmet for a cowboy hat and a handlebar mustache in 1999, then became a scraggly miner the following year. In 2005, he was finally transformed into the “Magnum, P.I.” look-alike that Miner fans love today.

To say that Senter has been busy since arriving in the Sun City would be quite the understatement. He has hired head coaches for football (Dana Dimel), men’s basketball (Joe Golding), men’s golf (Aaron Puetz), women’s golf (Steve Sims), rifle (Andrea Palafox), soccer (Gibbs Keeton), softball (T.J. Hubbard) and volleyball (Ben Wallis). With a firm belief that “Every Person Makes a Difference,” Senter has engaged Miner supporters far and wide. He ushered in sweeping changes to the iconic Sun Bowl Stadium, with the addition of indoor and outdoor club seating, loge boxes, suites, the GECU Terrace, Hunt Family Sky Lounge and Paul and Alejandra Foster Tower. He also orchestrated the addition of UTEP’s 17th Division I sport, beach volleyball, which began competing in the spring of 2023.

On the field, highlights from the Senter era have included the football team earning its first bowl appearance in seven years, volleyball reaching postseason play for the first time ever, women’s cross country capturing its first conference championship, and women’s track and field winning the Conference USA Indoor title. In 2022, a schoolrecord 207 UTEP studentathletes made the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll (minimum 3.0 GPA). In 2023, 72 Miners were recipients

Vice President/Director Of Athletics Jim SENTER

of C-USA Academic Medals (minimum 3.75 GPA), another school standard.

Senter served as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, from 201417. During that time he hired head coaches in football, men’s basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball.

Senter’s fundraising efforts resulted in significant improvements being made to the football, basketball and baseball facilities. He grew scholarship endowment by nearly $6 million in cash and pledges over three years. His total fundraising numbers set school records.

Senter grew football attendance by more than 3,000 spectators per game, and the Bulldogs led the Southern Conference in attendance. They posted a 10-win season in 2016 and a nine-victory campaign in 2015.

Academically, 174 Bulldog student-athletes garnered

placement on the Southern Conference Honor Roll in 2017. The year prior, The Citadel produced two CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-Americans.

Senter went to The Citadel after spending seven years (200613) at the University of Colorado, where he worked his way up to Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations. Senter was the sport supervisor for the Colorado football, skiing, men’s and women’s golf programs. He also had supervision over the Chief Marketing Officer and numerous other areas including facilities, sports medicine, sports performance, game and event management and equipment services.

He began his tenure at Colorado as Associate AD for Development. In that role, his responsibilities included all fundraising efforts, including the annual fund (student-athlete scholarships), major gifts and coordinating all donation-related

Jim Senter was named UTEP’s Director of Athletics on Nov. 22, 2017 and currently serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics.

activities and staff. He was later elevated to Associate Athletic Director.

Before Colorado, Senter served as Associate Athletic Director for Development/Senior Associate AD for External Sales at San Diego State for 18 months. Aligned closely with the University foundation, he was responsible for overseeing the athletic department’s development efforts, including major gifts.

He spent 2003-05 as Director of Athletics at Idaho State University, a 16-sport Division I-AA program. He engineered a 19 percent increase in football attendance and a $600,000 leap in advertising, marketing and corporate sales.

Senter began his college athletic career at the University of

Idaho. After working as assistant head football coach and recruiting coordinator, he branched out into the administrative side. He served as Assistant and Associate Athletic Director of Development from 1998-2003 in a chief fundraising capacity. He was responsible for the university’s Capital Campaign for Athletics, helping raise money for a $13 million athletic facility expansion. He also ran the annual fund for Vandal athletics, overseeing the work of 48 national directors and planning the fiscal budget.

During his coaching days, Senter was in charge of the defensive line, linebackers and secondary. He was a part of Idaho’s run to a 52-21 record over seven seasons and six NCAA playoff appearances.

Senter began his coaching career at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he was a student assistant in 1981 and 1982. He later held that role at his alma mater, the University of Tulsa, from 1983-85 before moving on to Idaho.

Senter earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Tulsa in 1985, and added a master’s degree in recreation from Idaho in 1992 while serving on the football coaching staff. He was born in Doylestown, Pa., and graduated from Jay (Okla.) High School where he was a football letter winner. He is married to the former Susan Beck and the couple has four children -- Shawna, Derick, Matthew and Samantha.

Dr. Heather Wilson became the 11th President of The University of Texas at El Paso in 2019 after serving as Secretary of the United States Air Force. She is the former president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and she represented New Mexico in the United States Congress for 10 years. In the private sector, she has served as a senior adviser to

University President Dr. Heather WILSON

defense and scientific industry. Active in community and national affairs, she is a member of the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation. Recently, she was elected inaugural Chair of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities.

Dr. Wilson is the granddaughter of immigrants and was the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to admit women and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar.

UTEP is located on the U.S.Mexico border – in the fifth largest

manufacturing region in North America – and serves 24,000 students with 169 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in nine colleges and schools. In the top 5% of public universities in the United States for research and designated a community-engaged university by the Carnegie Foundation, UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. It is the fourth largest research university in Texas and serves a student body that is 84% Hispanic.

President Wilson is an instrument rated private pilot. She and her husband, Jay Hone, have three adult children and one granddaughter.

Zachery arellano Axel Avila

Andrea bustillos

Christopher bustillos

Daena diaz

Jasiel Flores

Valentina garnica-gonzalez

Benjamin gomez

Genevieve gomez

Julia gomez

Samuel gregory Claudia guillen Mary guillen

Jadeyn hernandez

Ileana Leonard

Trinity montoya

Demi Nash

Sophia nava

Dereck nevarez

Kevin nino

Kyle Ortega

Paydirt pete

Nazareth quinones

Michelle ramos Danille Reyes

Elyzabeth Salgado

Bianca marquez Director of Spirit Operations

Head Cheer Coach

Caesar cubillos Assistant Coach & Mascot Advisor

Aaron Edens Tegan gonzales

Federico moncada

Zander nunn

Raymond Reyes

Angelica Alderete

Evelyn amaya

Lauren anaya Mia Arras

Caitlyn bejarano Briana carranco

Venney caballos Brianna cedillo Abby chavez

Monique duran

Diana Estrada Kyara franco

Giovanna Gerardo Amy gonzalez

Alani hatten

Jenna Jauregui

Carolyn limones

Aliseana lopez

Mia lopez

Alejandra loya

Olivia lozano

Natalia sanez

Arlette orta

Alondra ortiz Ciria Perez

Azul portillo Lisa rivera

Natalya truelove Camilia valenzuela

Denise villareal

Leslie Lopez Spirit Operations

Alyssa torres

Nadia younes

If you’ve been a part of the CUSA family for years, we’re proud to have you here.

If you’re new to us, welcome. No matter when you got here, know this:

You’re part of more than a college athletics conference.

Every school, every town, every alumni and fan is an essential part of who CUSA is today, and equally important in taking us to the next level. With unstoppable energy, there are no limits on us.

So hop on, because we’re heading up.

FIU - JACKSONVILLE STATE - LIBERTY - LA TECH - MIDDLE TENNESSEE - NEW MEXICO STATE - SAM HOUSTON - UTEP - WKU

MIAMI, FL - JACKSONVILLE, AL - LYNCHBURG, VA - RUSTON, LA - MURFREESBORO, TN - LAS CRUCES, NM - HUNTSVILLE, TX - EL PASO, TX - BOWLING GREEN, KY

UTEP Fight Song

Down 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!

(Repeat)

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!

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! 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!

(Repeat)

Yea Orange! Yea Blue!

Yea Miners! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Miners Fight! Miners Fight!

Yea Miners Fight!

Miners Fight! Miners Fight!

Yea Miners Fight!

UTEP Fan Guide

ADA PARKING

Designated, limited ADA parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis for free in parking lots controlled by UTEP Athletics.

ADA SEATING

Wheelchair/ADA seating is available in the following sections of Sun Bowl Stadium:

• Sections 5 and 7 at the concourse level as well as at the premium seating level.

• Sections 13 and 15 at the concourse level. Section 19 at the concourse level.

ADVANCED TICKET SALES

By Phone: Call (915) 747-UTEP (8837) and charge your individual game ticket order to MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover. Tickets will be sent via text (mobile delivery).

A valid government-issued placard or license plate is required. In addition, for those that are interested the front portion of the DA1 parking lot, located directly south of the Sun Bowl, has been deemed “Special Accommodation” and access is granted via a season-long permit for $50 or on a single game basis for $10. Fans interested in this option must also have a valid government-issued placard or license plate. Additional free ADA parking is located in the SB10 lot off Sun Bowl Drive. A complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the SB10 parking area to the North Sun Bowl entrance. The shuttle will begin service two hours prior to kickoff and continue operations throughout the game until all fans have been serviced.

Please note some parking lots sell out in advance. Once the designated ADA parking spots are accounted for, patrons will be pointed to the nearest parking lot in which ADA spaces are available.

Online: Order your individual game tickets online by visiting the official website of UTEP Athletics at http:// www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets.

In-Person: Tickets may be purchased in person at the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office located at Brumbelow Building on the UTEP campus (201 Glory Road), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and open at 8 am on game days. Accepted forms of payment include cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover.

Game Day: Advance ticket sales windows are located at the North and South end of the Sun Bowl. These windows open three (3) hours prior to kickoff and close after halftime.

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AGE RESTRICTION (TICKETS)

UTEP Fan Guide

Children under the age of two who are sitting on the lap of an adult do not need a game ticket. Children who have reached their second birthday must have a valid game ticket to gain entrance to the stadium and are permitted seating access only in their ticketed location.

ALCOHOL POLICY

Tailgating: Tailgating with alcohol is allowed on the UTEP campus during home football games in designated parking lots. All alcohol must be kept in designated parking lots and approved programmed tailgating areas. Open containers will not be allowed outside of these areas. As a safety measure, glass bottles are not allowed on campus.

In-Venue: Individuals who are 21 years of age or older may purchase alcohol inside the stadium at various vending locations. Texas law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Alcohol sales will cease at the end of the third quarter. No alcoholic beverages may be brought through the gates of the stadium.

ALLOWABLE ITEMS

The following items are allowed in the Sun Bowl:

• Blankets

• Stadium seat cushions, must be 16” in width or less

• Bags (including clear backpacks) that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”x6”x12”

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)

• Small clutch bag (4.5”x6.5” or smaller), with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a plastic bag

• Medical bags that contain health necessary items are acceptable after proper inspection and approval from venue personnel/security

• Trained service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are welcomed at the Sun Bowl. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times, unless special circumstances exist, and are required to rest in the seating area of the guest with the disability, rather than the aisle. Guests may take their service animal outside of the venue to relieve itself, but must speak with a Guest Services Supervisor prior to leaving the venue. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other Stadium guests and employees may be asked to escort the animal off the premises

UTEP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONFISCATE ANY PROHIBITED ITEMS AND/OR ESCORT THE GUEST FROM THE VENUE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS LIST IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

ALMA MATER

“Far beneath the crags of Franklin Stand our Alma Mater’s halls. Gleams afar her rock-hewn campus, Dust brown walls against the hills. Gem of learning in a country Whose own wealth of lore enthralls. Hail the light of Texas Western And the mission she fulfills!

Chorus: Up! Men of mines, and hit the trail; The Texas spirit shall not fail; Miners fight for the right! For the orange and white!

Tamp! Tamp! Tamp! Men of mines, Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! Men of mines, Now clear the way, for it’s today, That we must gain the victory.

May the canyon walls above her Echo back her classic name, And the deeds of men who leave her Stir the heights on which she stands. May the pangs of recollection Set their memories aflame, Till they see again the beauty Of the vista she commands.”

ANIMALS

All animals are prohibited inside the stadium except for service animals. See “Service Animals” for more information.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Location and Address: Brumbelow Building; 201 Glory Road; El Paso, TX 79968-0579

Phone: (915) 747-5347

Website: UTEPMiners.com

AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES (ATMS)

ATMs are located on the stadium concourse at sections 13 and 23.

BABY DIAPER CHANGING STATIONS

Baby diaper changing stations are located in all Men’s, Women’s and Family restrooms on the main concourse of the Sun Bowl. Family restrooms are located behind Section 22.

BANNERS, FLAGS & SIGNS

Banners, flags and signs are permitted, provided they are not larger than 24”x36”, football related and in good taste as determined by UTEP Athletics. They may not be hung or displayed on any part of the playing surface or in any way that obstructs another guest’s view of the game or stadium advertising, and must not pose a threat of injury to the guest or others. Flags affixed to poles or sticks are prohibited.

BUSES & SHUTTLES

UTEP Fan Guide

A free shuttle service will be provided from the SB10 parking area to the GR2 parking lot near the North Sun Bowl entrance. The shuttle will begin service two hours prior to kickoff and stop one hour after the game ends. Live GPS tracking of all shuttles can be viewed at the following link, https://utep.passiogo. com, or download the Passio Go app on your phone.

CAMERAS

Cameras are permitted in the stadium for both fans (lenses less than 4’’ in length) and working news media. All photos taken in the stadium must be for editorial or personal use only and may not be used for advertising, promotions or other trade purposes, or any other commercial or promotional endeavor, without the permission of UTEP Athletics. Tripods (except working media), monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted in the stadium.

CELLULAR PHONES

Use of cellular phones is permitted, provided their use does not interfere with another guest’s ability to enjoy the atmosphere of the stadium. UTEP Athletics reserves the right to ask any guest to discontinue use of a cell phone in or adjacent to any seating area.

CHEERLEADERS

The UTEP Cheer team consists of males and females. Fans can see them cheering at football and men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as select soccer and volleyball contests. The cheerleaders also support various University events and initiatives and are involved in many community activities. UTEP Cheer strives to have a positive impact on all who interact with UTEP Spirit members by providing an experience which connects us as Miners. UTEP CHEER is the catalyst to instill Miner pride and traditions for our campus. For more information on the cheerleaders, visit https://www.utep.edu/studentaffairs/cheerleading/about/index.html

CLEAR BAG POLICY

UTEP Athletics has a clear bag policy for all games and events. Approved bags are as follows:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12”W x 6”D x 12” H.

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc™ bag or smaller).

• Small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand (4.5” x 6.5” or smaller), with or without a handle or strap. This can be carried separately or within a clear bag.

• Medical bags that contain health necessary items are acceptable after proper inspection and approval from stadium personnel/security.

• All other bags are prohibited when entering the venue.

• For more information, please visit www.UTEPMiners. com/clearbagpolicy.

CLOTHING

Guests are prohibited from wearing or displaying profane or offensive materials. A guest may be asked to remove, reverse, cover or add clothing so the image or wording is no longer visible.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & DONATIONS

UTEP Athletics’ primary community support is directed to nonprofit organizations focusing on the following interests: child and youth education, mentorship, civic collaboration, and health and wellness programs. If your nonprofit organization is seeking a donation of game tickets or an auction item, please contact our Marketing and Community Outreach office at (915) 747-8199.

CONCESSIONS

Permanent concession stands are located behind sections 3, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23, and 24 and offer a variety of game day food and beverage options including bottled water, Pepsi products, alcoholic beverages, hotdogs and nachos, etc. Most stands also offer popcorn, candy, peanuts and pretzels. There are several specialty concessions stands and food trucks that can be found behind sections 10 and 20 that feature pizza, tacos, hamburgers, churros, funnel cakes, cotton candy, kettle corn, snow cones and other unique items.

CONFERENCE USA

Conference USA celebrates its 29th year in 2023-24. A league rich in history and tradition, CUSA has prided itself on upholding unwavering standards of success and integrity throughout the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Conference USA enjoys a farreaching fan base with its nine members: FIU, Jax State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP and WKU. Conference USA teams have combined for 129 football bowl appearances, 58 NCAA Tournament bids in men’s basketball and 56 NCAA Tournament bids in women’s basketball. For more information on Conference USA, visit www.ConferenceUSA.com

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

Van Wagner serves as the exclusive multimedia rights partner and sponsorship team for UTEP Athletics. Van Wagner, in partnership with UTEP Athletics, manages and sells in-game promotional experiences and digital media assets. Additionally, Van Wagner sells and executes the Miners’ in-venue signage at various facilities, promotional rights to logos/ marks and broadcast assets. For more information, please visit www.vanwagner.com, or contact General Manager Ric Romero by phone 505-480-8220 or email rromero@utepas.com.

UTEP Fan Guide

DANCE TEAM

The UTEP dance team is a unified and prestigious organization that is composed of dancers that come from diverse backgrounds but share a common interest: to foster UTEP pride throughout our community. These elite dancers showcase their talent while supporting UTEP athletic events, community activities, and hosting their annual UTEP Dance Team Championships. These collegiate dance team members are as diverse as the styles of dance they perform, achieving not only as a team, but also as scholars at UTEP. For more information on the dance team, visit www.utepdanceteam.com

DIRECTIONS TO THE SUN BOWL

From the east: Take I-10 west to the Schuster/Sun Bowl exit (exit 18a).

From the west: Take I-10 east to the Schuster/Sun Bowl exit (exit 18a).

• The Sun Bowl can also be accessed via Mesa Street to Sun Bowl Drive.

• Fans are encouraged to use Google Maps as a resource to provide the most specific and efficient directions to campus and the stadium.

DONATIONS

The Miner Athletic Club serves as the fundraising arm for UTEP Athletics, providing scholarships and the financial resources necessary for UTEP studentathletes to compete at the highest levels and to achieve educational excellence. The mission of the Miner Athletic Club is “Creating Champions” –academically, competitively and socially. Through the amazing support of Miner donors, this mission is able to become a reality, producing the next generation of leaders and providing a premier student-athlete experience. Individuals who make a contribution to the Miner Athletic Club are not only investing in the lives of the over 325 student-athletes competing for the Orange and Blue annually, but also receive exclusive benefits for their generosity. Being a member of the Miner Athletic Club means being more than a fan. It means rising to the challenge, stepping up and leaving a lasting impact. Every gift and every person makes a difference, helping to ensure a bright future for UTEP Athletics and Miner student-athletes. For more information, visit www.MinerAthleticClub. com or call (915) 747-8759.

DRONES

The use of remote-controlled model aircraft, to include drones, is strictly prohibited on UTEP property.

EGRESS

The following traffic plan to exit the lots is designed to maximize traffic flow and minimize waiting time when leaving the stadium by informing visitors about the exit patterns that our traffic control personnel will enforce when leaving the game.

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

UTEP is a tobacco and smoke-free campus and electronic cigarettes are not permitted.

ELEVATORS

Elevators are restricted to premium ticket holders, individuals with accessibility needs, elderly guests, families with small children and media. Elevators are located behind section 8 and in the Foster Tower (premium seat holders and media access only).

EMERGENCY/EVACUATION PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency at the stadium, please follow instructions and directions from ushers, the Public Address announcer, emergency personnel and police and fire officials. If an emergency requires evacuation from the stadium, directions will be given over the public address system and the video board. Please contact an usher if you have any questions.

ENTERING & EXITING SUN BOWL STADIUM

For your safety, UTEP Athletics requires all guests and employees entering the stadium to be searched for prohibited items. This includes a thorough inspection of any jackets, coats, bags, purses and other containers brought to any of the entry gates. Following the game, guests are asked to exit the stadium via the same gate that they entered the stadium through. Please be aware that UTEP Athletics has a clear bag policy in place. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/ clearbagpolicy. UTEP is not responsible for any prohibited items left outside of the gates.

FACEBOOK

Follow UTEP Athletics and UTEP Football on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/UTEPAthletics and www. Facebook.com/UTEPFB.

FAN CODE OF CONDUCT

All Sun Bowl guests are expected to maintain reasonable and appropriate behavior at all times. The Sun Bowl has a “Zero Tolerance” policy for inappropriate fan behavior during all events. Any behavior defying code of conduct, as determined by facility management, can result in ejection from the facility, loss of ticket privileges, and/or arrest. Guests who are ejected from the facility will not receive a refund for their ticket(s) or be compensated in any way.

UTEP Fan Guide

FIELD ACCESS

Stadium guests are not permitted access to the playing field at any time during a game. Only guests with the proper credentials will be allowed on the field. Anyone entering the field without proper credentials is subject to removal from the stadium and/or arrest.

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.

FIREARMS & WEAPONS

As stated in the law, the University President has the authorization to enact “reasonable rules and regulations” for excluding concealed handguns from areas on-campus but the rules may not either “generally prohibit” or “have the effect of generally prohibiting” license holders from carrying concealed handguns on campus. The following exclusion zones have been approved as exclusion areas by UTEP’s President. Other rooms and venues on campus could become exclusion zones due to activities taking place such as national testing, a formal hearing, collegiate athletics events, on-campus voting locations organized by government agencies, or special events produced by external agents. In these cases appropriate signage will be displayed at the entrance to the venue or room. Rationale for UTEP’s exclusion areas can be found in the Campus Concealed Carry Task Force Report. Facilities impacted while an event is taking place include, but are not limited to the following: Sun Bowl Stadium, Don Haskins Center, Kidd Field, Memorial Gym, University Field and Helen of Troy Softball Complex. For more information, visit www.UTEP.edu/campuscarry

FIRST AID STATIONS

For the safety of guests in the stadium, first aid stations are located behind sections 10 and 23. If you need assistance or you are with someone who does, contact the nearest first aid station, usher or law enforcement officer. Each station has trained first responders to provide assistance and, if necessary, advanced emergency medical support will also be available throughout the game. Fans should call 911 for any emergency situations in the stadium that require immediate medical assistance.

FOOTBALL SCHEDULE & PROMOTIONS

UTEP vs. UIW

Date: Saturday, Sept. 2

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Promotions: Miner Magic / 80’s Night

UTEP vs. UNLV

Date: Saturday, September 23

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Promotions: 915 Heroes Night

UTEP vs. LA Tech

Date: Friday, Sept. 29

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Promotions: Noche Latina

FRIENDS & FAMILY 4-PACK

For the games versus UNLV (Sept. 23), NM State (Oct. 18) and Liberty (Nov. 25), a special Friends and Family 4-Pack is available for purchase. The ticket package includes four Sideline level tickets, four regular hot dogs, four medium fountain drinks and one large popcorn. For more information, call the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747-UTEP, visit UTEPMiners.com/tickets or stop by in person (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road) Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GAME DAY TIMELINE

8 a.m. – Outer Campus Lots Open for Parking and Tailgating

8 a.m. – Eisenberg Family Ticket Office Opens (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road)

12 p.m. – Inner Campus Lots Open for Parking and Tailgating

3 Hours Prior to Kickoff – Sun Bowl Box Offices Open (north and south locations)

2 Hours Prior to Kickoff – Premium Seat Entrances Open

90 Minutes Prior to Kickoff – All Stadium Gates Open

30 Minutes Prior to Kickoff – Stadium Pregame Show Begins

NOTE: Timeline for non-Saturday games (Friday, Sept. 29 and Wednesday, Oct. 18) will be adjusted. These changes will be communicated to fans two weeks prior to each game.

GAME PROGRAMS

Fans can receive a free digital version of the game program by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/ footballprogram

UTEP Fan Guide

GATES

There are five main gates at Sun Bowl Stadium. Their locations are as follows:

• East (7)

• West (2)

• Southeast (5)

• Southwest (3 & 4)

• North (1)

GATE OPENING TIMES

Guests are encouraged to come early and watch team warm-ups as well as enjoy pregame performances by the UTEP Marching Band and Spirit Squad. Premium seat entrances open two (2) hours prior to kickoff and all stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

GECU TERRACE

Situated directly below the Hunt Family Sky Lounge and press box is the GECU Terrace. This unique space offers various amenities including providing fans with the opportunity to purchase higher-end food and beverages. It also acts as a gathering spot on game day, allowing fans to socialize and cheer together. The Terrace combines the look and feel of a resort patio with a Southwestern cantina, creating a festive, funfilled environment. Fans can expect patio furniture, umbrellas, numerous TVs and other comforts of home. Individuals who have a suite, indoor club seat, loge box or outdoor club seat have access to the Terrace. For more information, visit www. MinerAthleticClub.com or call (915) 747-8759.

GROUP TICKETS

Share the excitement of UTEP Football with a group of friends, family or coworkers at the Sun Bowl. Groups of 15 or more receive special ticket prices, in-game recognition and have the opportunity to participate in exclusive experiences. For more information, call (915) 747-UTEP (8837) or visit www.UTEPMiners.com/ tickets.

GUEST AWARENESS

UTEP Athletics is committed to providing a safe environment for all of our guests. We ask that if any guest is aware of any potentially unsafe situation to please notify the nearest usher, law enforcement officer or call 911. Your eyes and ears can help keep the stadium a safe family environment.

GUEST SERVICES CENTERS

Guest Relations Centers are located behind sections 12 and 23. These service stands operate from the time the gates open until 15 minutes after the conclusion of the game. Guests may obtain information, offer suggestions, voice concerns and request assistance from UTEP Athletics guest relations representatives at these stations. Guest Relations Centers are also the location for lost and found items.

HUNT FAMILY SKY LOUNGE

The Hunt Family Sky Lounge features four suites, over 100 indoor club seats and a large club room space/ lounge. The Lounge is a premium, climate-controlled hospitality area with exclusive amenities including upscale cuisine and beverages; numerous flat-screen TVs; abundant space for fans to socialize; amazing views of the field, Franklin Mountains, UTEP campus and El Paso; elevator access; and private restrooms. Fans who have a suite, indoor club seat, loge box or section 5 outdoor club seat have access to the Hunt Family Sky Lounge.

INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKETS

Tickets for individual UTEP football games are available for purchase (if inventory remains) by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or calling (915) 747-UTEP (8837). Prices vary by game. A limited number of single-game tickets may be available on game day through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road) which opens at 8 a.m. or at the Sun Bowl box offices which open three (3) hours prior to kickoff.

INGRESS

In an effort to expedite traffic flow, we ask that all visitors review our ingress plan for directions on how to best access their parking space. Please have your parking permit downloaded and handy when requested by our traffic staff at the access points.

INSTAGRAM

Follow UTEP Athletics and UTEP Football on Instagram @UTEPAthletics and @UTEPFB.

LICENSING & TRADEMARKS

The mission of UTEP Licensing and Trademarks is to promote the University’s image while protecting its trademark rights. UTEP works with licensed vendors to ensure that the public can properly identify officially licensed quality products and services bearing the wordmarks, logos and symbols associated with the University to build awareness of UTEP and generate revenue. For more information on Licensing and Trademarks, email jdarby@utep.edu.

LOST & FOUND

Lost and Found is located at the Guest Services Centers on the concourse, behind sections 12 and 23. If an item is found, please give it to an usher or turn it in to the Guest Services Center. If an item is lost, check with a Guest Services Center. After the game all the lost and found items will be transferred to the UTEP Police Department located at 3118 Sun Bowl Drive. To inquire about a lost item, please call UTEP Police at (915) 747-6338.

LOST CHILDREN

UTEP Fan Guide

Separated children and parents should contact the nearest usher or go to Guest Services Center, located behind section 15 (next to the Larry K. Durham Sports Center).

MARCHING BAND

The UTEP Marching Miners, one of the largest and most visible student organizations at the University of Texas at El Paso, features an annual membership of over 250 members. The “Sound of the Southwest” performs at all UTEP home football games, select away games, and exhibitions throughout the region, including several recent exhibition performances as the featured collegiate band for the UIL State Marching Championships in San Antonio, Texas. Students in the Marching Miners represent every academic college on campus, with over two-thirds of its memberships majoring in something other than music. The Marching Miners perform a traditional pregame show, along with a new, exciting halftime show for each home game. The ensemble is under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. Brandon Houghtalen. We ask patrons not to cross through the band section while the band is in their designated area.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Media inquiries should be directed to the UTEP Strategic Communications Office. Please call Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications Drew Bonney at (915) 747-7447 or email arbonney@utep. edu for more information.

MERCHANDISE/UTEP BOOKSTORE

UTEP branded merchandise and gear can be purchased in the Sun Bowl on game day, located behind sections 11 and 24. There are also several satellite locations and mobile stores set up on the main concourse. On non-game days, visit the UTEP Bookstore, 2201 Sun Bowl Drive, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fans can also shop online anytime at UTEPShop.com.

MINER KIDS CLUB PRESENTED BY GECU

The Miner Kids Club is proudly sponsored by GECU! Purchase your youngster a standard membership for $60, including season tickets to all regular season football, men’s and women’s basketball games. Or upgrade your seats for these sports by purchasing a premium membership for $100. Both memberships include a gear pack, GECU incentives and club events, monthly e-newsletter and ball kid opportunities. For more information, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/ kidsclub

MINER VISION

Miner Vision is the name of UTEP Athletics’ video and creative department which is responsible for game day video board productions, internet streams and video on-demand (VOD) content. Visit www. UTEPMiners.com for game streams and more.

MINI PLANS

UTEP Athletics is excited to offer fans the ability to purchase three (3) game mini plans. Starting at just $36 and allowing fans the opportunity to pick any three home games, mini plans provide fans with the flexibility to customize their ticket purchases to fit their schedule and budget. For more information, call the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747UTEP, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or stop by in person (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road) Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MOBILE/DIGITAL TICKETS

All UTEP Athletics tickets are mobile/digital. For more information, visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets.

NCAA RULES AND COMPLIANCE

Play by the rules! Always.

Definitions to Know:

Prospective Student-Athlete – A student in the 9th through 12th grade.

Booster – Anyone who makes financial contributions to UTEP Athletics, is a member of a team’s booster group, has promoted UTEP Athletics, or is a former student-athlete.

Extra Benefit – Any service or benefit that is not available to the general UTEP student body or the general public.

Rules to Know:

Benefits – You may not provide current or prospective student-athletes with cash, discounts, or other benefits not generally available to other students or the general public.

Recruiting – Only coaches are allowed to recruit. Fans and donors may not engage in recruiting activities including interaction with prospective studentathletes on social media.

UTEP Athletics is responsible for the actions of fans, donors and other organizations engaged in promoting our athletics interests. A violation of NCAA rules may result in disciplinary and corrective actions determined by the NCAA. Common consequences include ineligibility of student-athletes, vacated wins and other various sanctions imposed on the Athletics Department. If you have any questions about these or any other NCAA rule(s), please contact the UTEP Athletics Compliance Office at (915) 747-8024 or Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance Tayler Harrell by email tlvena@utep.edu.

UTEP Fan Guide

PAUL & ALEJANDRA FOSTER TOWER

The Paul and Alejandra Foster Tower, located on the west side of the Sun Bowl, includes the Hunt Family Sky Lounge, press box, and the central portion of the GECU Terrace.

PAYDIRT PETE

UTEP’s beloved mascot, Paydirt Pete, encourages Miner spirit and fan support. Pete keeps UTEP fans entertained with his on-the-field antics, dancing, and humor. Pete also makes many appearances throughout the Sun City while spreading Miner spirit! For more information on Paydirt, visit www. UTEPMiners.com

PARKING AND PARKING PASSES

Certain UTEP campus parking lots are reserved on game day for fans who are Miner Athletic Club donors or purchase single game parking passes. These lots include the Sun Bowl Garage, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, ME1, Dawson Drive, DA1, GR2, GR3, GR5, and RA2. All parking passes are digital. Free parking is offered on the south side of campus in lots SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, RI4 and the Schuster Garage. Free parking is also available on the north side of campus in the SB10 lot off Sun Bowl Drive.

PARTY PATIO

Located at field level behind the North End Zone, the Party Patio provides an exclusive and fun-filled Sun Bowl experience. The Party Patio offers numerous fan amenities including unique views of the field and stadium, exclusive food options and the opportunity to purchase premium game day beverages including draft beers and mixed drinks. The Party Patio opens 90 minutes prior to kickoff for each of the Miners’ six home games and closes at the end of the game. Season tickets to the Party Patio are only $100 and single game ticket options are also available. For more information, call (915) 747-UTEP (8837), visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or email tickets@utep. edu.

PEDDLING

Commercial activity and solicitations are not allowed on UTEP property. Companies may not issue sample products or display signage without proper approval from UTEP Athletics. See Corporate Sponsorship. Gameday distribution of flyers or leaflets on parked vehicles is expressly prohibited. Promotion of restaurants and bars is prohibited. In addition, no products can be distributed in the UTEP parking lots, including energy drinks.

PLAYER GUEST TICKETS

Player guest tickets are available for pick up on game day at the Sun Bowl Stadium box office opens three (3) hours prior to kickoff. Player guests must enter the stadium immediately after receiving their tickets. A valid photo ID is required to pick up tickets and the name on the ID must match the approved player guest name – no exceptions.

PREMIUM SEAT ENTRANCE

The premium seat entrance is located directly below the Paul and Alejandra Foster Tower, facing the SB6 parking lot. Access is restricted to guests with premium seat tickets or credentials.

PREMIUM SEATING

By purchasing a club seat or loge box, fans will not only receive a premier gameday experience, they are also investing in the success of Miner Football and UTEP Athletics. In addition to their premium seat, individuals are able to enjoy the GECU Terrace – the ultimate gathering spot for fans, featuring special amenities and spirited camaraderie. Section 5 outdoor club seats, loge boxes and indoor club seats have access to the Hunt Family Sky Lounge, a climatecontrolled club room with upscale food and beverage options as well as high-end conveniences. For more information on premium seating, contact the Miner Athletic Club by calling (915) 747-8759 or visit www. MinerAthleticClub.com

PRESS BOX

Any media members requesting press box access should contact Drew Bonney by calling (915) 747-7447 or emailing arbonney@utep.edu. Media members are reminded that the press box is a working environment and any cheering or derogatory comments directed at either team is prohibited and will result in removal from the area.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

UTEP Fan Guide

In conjunction with Conference USA and for the safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, staff and other guests, the following items are prohibited from the Sun Bowl:

• Aerosol cans

• Animals (service dogs or service dogs in training permitted)

• Artificial noisemakers

• Balloons

• Bats, poles or sticks

• Car seats and baby strollers

• Coolers/ice chests

• Camera lenses larger than 4’’

• E-cigarettes

• Firearms and fireworks

• Flags on poles

• Glass bottles

• Illegal drugs

• Laser pointers

• Lawn chairs

• Missile-like objects

• Objects that can be used as projectiles (i.e. balls)

• Outside food and beverages including alcohol (exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs)

• Scooters, strollers, bicycles, roller skates and skateboards

• Tobacco products

• Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks

• Umbrellas

• Unauthorized video cameras and drones

• Water bottles (one sealed, plastic water bottle permitted per patron)

• Weapons

• Any object that might pose a risk to the guest or others

RADIO

The flagship home of UTEP Football is 600 ESPN El Paso. UTEP Football coverage on 600 ESPN El Paso starts one hour prior to kickoff with the “Countdown to Kickoff” show, featuring previews from Head Coach Dana Dimel and the coaching staff. The postgame “Locker Room Report” includes a game recap, interviews with Coach Dimel and Miner players, plus scores from other games around Conference USA and the country.

RE-ENTRY POLICY

Fan re-entry is allowed with a valid, scanned ticket, and hand stamp upon exit. Please ask a gate attendant for assistance.

RESTRICTED ACCESS AREAS

Unauthorized individuals are not permitted in restricted areas of the Sun Bowl during or after an event. The restricted areas include, but are not limited to, the field, locker rooms and coaches’ offices. Violators are subject to criminal sanctions and/or the University’s disciplinary processes.

RESTROOMS

The following is a list of sections where restrooms are located:

• Men’s: behind sections 1, 9, 17, 20, 22 and 26

• Women’s: behind sections 2, 8, 11, 18, 20 and 25

• Men’s and women’s restrooms are ocated on the GECU Terrace and in the Hunt Family Sky Lounge for fans who have premium seats.

• Family restrooms are located behind section 22.

RIDESHARE SERVICES

Fans utilizing a rideshare service (Lyft, Uber, taxis, etc.) to attend games need to be aware that the rideshare drop-off location is positioned outside Memorial Gym, adjacent to Randolph Drive and the RA2 parking lot. All rideshare vehicles should approach the drop-off location from Mesa Street and then turn on Robinson Avenue. Rideshares will not be permitted to drop off passengers anywhere else around the stadium on game day.

RV PARKING

RV parking is offered in several parking lots for football game days including SC1, SB2, SB5, SB7, and GR2 upon purchase of an RV pass prior to gameday. Passes are available on a season and single game basis. For additional information about RV parking, including prices and regulations, please contact the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office by calling (915) 747UTEP or emailing tickets@utep.edu.

SCALPING TICKETS

If tickets are resold by or purchased from anyone not expressly authorized by UTEP Athletics or its designated agent, seller and buyer assume all risks associated with the transaction. Resale of tickets on UTEP premises is not permitted. Persons who sell or offer a ticket for resale at any price on UTEP premises may be removed from the premises and prosecuted. Tickets may not be resold or offered for resale in a manner, at a price or otherwise in violation of any Federal, State or local laws/ordinances/regulations; any such resale will invalidate the license granted by the ticket.

SEARCHES

All fans attending a game consent to allowing UTEP Athletics and/or their designees to inspect his/her person (and that of any minor accompanying such person) and any bags, clothing or other articles for security purposes.

SEASON TICKETS

UTEP Fan Guide

UTEP football season tickets start at just $65 and offer fans the best ticket value. Call (915) 747-UTEP or visit www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets for more information.

SERVICE ANIMALS

Trained service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are welcomed at the Sun Bowl. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times, unless special circumstances exist, and are required to rest in the seating area of the guest with the disability, rather than the aisle. Guests may take their service animal outside of the venue to relieve itself, but must speak with a Guest Services Supervisor prior to leaving the venue. A guest whose service animal poses a threat to the safety of other Arena guests and employees may be asked to escort the animal off the premises.

SHUTTLES

A free shuttle service will be provided from the SB10 parking area to the GR2 parking lot near the North Sun Bowl entrance. The shuttle will begin service two hours prior to kickoff and stop one hour after the game ends. Live GPS tracking of all shuttles can be viewed at the following link, https://utep.passiogo. com, or download the Passio Go app on your phone.

SIGNS

Banners, flags and signs are permitted, provided they are football related and in good taste as determined by UTEP Athletics. They may not be hung or displayed on any part of the playing surface or in any way that obstructs another guest’s view of the game or stadium advertising, and must not pose a threat of injury to the guest or others. Flags affixed to poles or sticks are prohibited.

SINGLE GAME PARKING

Fans can purchase parking on game day in several lots including DA1 (Special Accommodation), SB2, SB7, SB8, and ME1 for $10; SB3, SB4, GR5 and Sun Bowl Garage for $15; Dawson Drive, DA1, GR2, GR3, and RA2 for $25. Free parking is offered on the south side of campus in lots SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, RI4 and the Shuster Garage. Free parking is also available on the north side of campus in the SB10 lot off Sun Bowl Drive.

SINGLE GAME TICKETS

Tickets for individual UTEP football games are available for purchase (if inventory remains) by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets or calling (915) 747-UTEP (8837). Prices vary by game. A limited number of single-game tickets may be available on game day through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road) which opens at 8 a.m. or at the Sun Bowl box offices which open three (3) hours prior to kickoff.

SMOKING

The UTEP campus and its athletic venues are 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free. Please be respectful to the University by keeping UTEP a smoke-free environment for all its visitors to enjoy.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow along with UTEP Athletics on social media to get up-to-the-second news, receive special information, take part in contests and giveaways, and experience tons of unique content. Follow @UTEPAthletics on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Twitter. Visit www. UTEPMiners.com to find a complete listing of Miner social media accounts.

SOLICITING

Commercial activity and solicitations are not allowed on UTEP property. Companies may not issue sample products or display signage without proper approval from UTEP Athletics. Game day distribution of flyers or leaflets on parked vehicles is expressly prohibited.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Conference USA and its member institutions are committed to an atmosphere where the principles and standards of sportsmanship are at the forefront. At the heart of sportsmanship, there shall be a strong commitment to respecting not only the participants but also the officials. Thank you for everything you do to help UTEP and Conference USA provide the best experience possible for all individuals involved.

STUDENT TICKETS

UTEP students are able to attend home football games for free by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com/ studenttickets, claiming their ticket and downloading it to their phone for entry. Student guest tickets (a limit of 2 per student) may also be purchased via www.UTEPMiners.com/studenttickets. The student section in the Sun Bowl includes sections 16 thru 19.

SUN BOWL STADIUM

The 2023 season marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Sun Bowl Stadium, which opened on September 21, 1963. On the first play from scrimmage at the then-30,000-seat stadium, Miner running back Larry Durham bolted 54 yards for a touchdown against North Texas State University. The Miners went on to score a 34-7 victory over the Eagles. The facility was originally designed to hold 30,000 spectators. The second deck on the press box was completed in 1969, and in 1982 extra seating was added. In 2020, an $18 million renovation was completed, creating various premium seating options and areas including outdoor club seats, loge boxes, indoor club seats and suites. The present seating capacity is 45,971. The stadium is not only home to the UTEP football team, but also houses the Sun Bowl game every December.

UTEP Fan Guide

TAILGATING

UTEP Athletics is excited to offer fans the opportunity to tailgate on our beautiful campus. Please follow the policies below to ensure a safe and enjoyable tailgating experience:

• One tailgate setup per parking space to include vehicle, canopies and cooking area.

• Spaces are available on a first-come, firstserved basis unless specifically reserved through the Miner Athletic Club.

• Tailgating should take place within 4 feet in front of or behind your vehicle.

• Tailgating is not permitted in parking garages.

• Overnight parking, with exception of ticketed RVs, is not allowed on University property.

• Glass containers are not allowed anywhere on campus during game days.

• Kegs, beer balls, and other common-source containers are prohibited on campus and in tailgating areas. This includes beer funnels.

• Inner campus tailgates are allowed to start at noon while outer lot tailgates may begin at 8 a.m.

• Amplified music must be confined to individual tailgate areas and speakers must be directed into the individual tailgate area. No DJ’s permitted.

• Food and beverages shall be for personal consumption only. Sales are prohibited.

• Hooking into, connecting to, or similar use of University utilities and/or television or communication cable services is prohibited.

• Saving parking spots is prohibited; to park together, guests must arrive together.

• Individuals may not erect or move barricades, barrels, fencing or any other traffic control devices.

• All parking signs and instructions must be obeyed and strictly followed.

• Individuals are responsible for properly securing overhead objects (flags, balloons, etc.).

• It is the responsibility of each tailgate party to secure tailgating items prior to entering the stadium.

• Use of portable generators is limited to quiet units.

• Individual(s) purchasing the tailgating/parking spot are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

• Use of ATVs, golf carts, gators, scooters, mopeds and other motorized recreational vehicles are prohibited.

• All trash from tailgates must be disposed of properly in designated containers.

NOTE: Tailgating policies and procedures for nonSaturday games (Sept. 29 and Oct. 18) will be adjusted. These changes will be communicated to fans two weeks prior to each game.

TEAM BENCHES

The UTEP bench is located on the West (press box) side of the field and the visiting team bench is located on the East side.

THE CREW (ORANGE & BLUE SPIRIT CREW)

Stay connected; Make new friends; Be in the know! The Orange and Blue Spirit Crew or simply “The Crew” is the official student fan organization of UTEP. Help create the best on campus experience by becoming a member of the BEST and LOUDEST crew on campus! We are looking for outgoing, energetic students who want to foster pride, establish traditions, and help support our student athletes at game time!! Membership includes cool tees, spirit lunches, and opportunities for field access on Game Day, giveaways and more. Sign up at The Crew (utep.edu)

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is forging dramatic new directions in higher education. UTEP has become a national model for creating and successfully executing highly competitive academic and research programs while maintaining a deep commitment to serving a 21st century student demographic. It is this dedication to providing access and excellence to students in the region that has resulted in UTEP becoming a top tier research university with a Mexican-American majority student population. For more information on the University of Texas at El Paso, visit www.UTEP.edu

THREADS

Follow UTEP Athletics and UTEP Football on Threads at https://www.threads.net/UTEPAthletics and https://www.threads.net/UTEPFB

TICKET OFFICE (EISENBERG FAMILY TICKET OFFICE)

Location and Address: Eisenberg Family Ticket Office – Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus; 201 Glory Road; El Paso, TX; 79968.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone Number: (915) 747-UTEP (8837)

Website: www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets

Email: tickets@utep.edu

NOTE: Tickets to UTEP Athletics events are NOT available for purchase at the UTEP Ticket Center, located at 2901 North Mesa Street.

TICKET TRANSFER

Ensure your ticket does not go unused and help us maintain an energetic atmosphere on game day. Transfer tickets to family and friends through a simple online process by logging into your online account at www.UTEPMiners.com/tickets.

TOBACCO POLICY

UTEP Fan Guide

The UTEP campus and its athletic venues are 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free. Vaping is also prohibited. Please be respectful to the University by keeping UTEP a tobacco-free environment for all its visitors to enjoy.

TWITTER

Follow UTEP Athletics and UTEP Football on Twitter@UTEPAthletics and @UTEPFB.

UMBRELLAS

All umbrellas are prohibited from being brought into the Sun Bowl. See Prohibited Items.

WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather or potentially dangerous weather, guests may be asked to seek shelter out of the seating area. Please follow the direction of ushers and stadium staff to the nearest shelter area. Shelter areas include stairwells, restrooms and other enclosed areas within the stadium.

WEBSITE

www.UTEPMiners.com is your one-stop shop for everything UTEP Athletics. Visit the website to receive the latest news and notes on your Miner teams, purchase game tickets, join the Miner Athletic Club, buy merchandise, watch games and press conferences stream lived, view exclusive video content and more!

WILL CALL

Will Call is defined as tickets left by UTEP Athletics, tickets purchased via phone or internet that were not mailed or delivered electronically, or tickets left by a third party. Will Call is available during regular business hours at the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office (Brumbelow Building on UTEP campus, 201 Glory Road). Guests must present a photo ID to access tickets. Tickets must be left under the name of the person who will pick them up. If there is a need to change the Will Call name, the original ticket purchaser must contact the ticket office prior to game day at (915) 747-UTEP (8837). Will Call on game day is located at the North Sun Bowl box office which opens three (3) hours prior to kickoff.