Sun Bowl Stadium | El Paso

The Sun Bowl Stadium is a prominent sports venue located in El Paso, Texas, on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). It has been a key part of the city's sports and cultural landscape since its opening in 1963. With a seating capacity of approximately 46,098, the stadium has hosted numerous sporting events, concerts, and community activities over the decades.

History and Construction

Sun Bowl Stadium was opened on September 21, 1963, and was designed to serve as the home for UTEP's football team, the UTEP Miners. Its name comes from the Sun Bowl, a famous college football bowl game that has been played annually in El Paso since 1935. The stadium’s construction marked an important milestone in El Paso's development as a hub for college football in the region.

Design and Features

Seating Capacity: The stadium accommodates around 46,000 fans and is designed with a bowl shape, offering great sightlines for spectators. It has expanded and renovated over the years to include modern amenities.

Surface: The playing field features FieldTurf Classic HD CoolPlay, a state-of-the-art artificial turf designed for optimal performance, player safety, and comfort.

Location: Situated at a height of 3,910 feet (1,190 meters) above sea level, the stadium offers a unique experience due to its elevation, which can affect gameplay with thinner air.

Key Events and Functions

UTEP Football: The Sun Bowl Stadium is the home field for the UTEP Miners football team. The Miners play their home games here, and the stadium serves as a central gathering place for UTEP students, alumni, and fans.

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: This stadium is most famous for hosting the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, one of the oldest college football bowl games in the country. The Sun Bowl features top-tier teams from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences. The game is traditionally played in late December and has been a fixture of El Paso's sports calendar for decades.

Concerts and Events: Besides football, the stadium has also hosted concerts, soccer matches, high school football games, and a variety of community events. Its large capacity and versatile facilities make it an ideal location for major events.

Renovations and Upgrades

In 2021, Sun Bowl Stadium underwent major renovations to enhance the fan experience and improve amenities. Key updates included:

502 outdoor club seats and 104 indoor club seats to elevate the premium experience for fans.

26 loge boxes and 4 suites were added to offer exclusive viewing options for VIPs and corporate sponsors.

The Hunt Family Sky Lounge, a high-end indoor club area with catering and seating, was created to give guests a luxurious experience.

Modernization of the stadium’s restrooms, concessions, HVAC systems, and audio/visual systems to improve comfort and functionality for all attendees.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Parking: The stadium offers ample parking, with around 7,900 spaces available for event-goers.

Amenities: The venue includes various concession stands that offer food and drinks, as well as merchandise stands where visitors can purchase UTEP Miners gear and memorabilia.

Accessibility: The stadium is fully accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, and facilities for individuals with disabilities.

Notable Games and Events

Throughout its history, Sun Bowl Stadium has been the site of numerous notable games, including several bowl games, championships, and high-stakes college football matchups. The Sun Bowl itself has seen some of college football’s top teams, such as those from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences, face off in dramatic contests. Over the years, the stadium has also been a popular venue for soccer matches and community events.

Modern-Day Significance

Today, Sun Bowl Stadium is more than just a football field. It represents El Paso's commitment to community engagement through sports, culture, and entertainment. The annual Sun Bowl game continues to attract thousands of visitors and serves as a major economic driver for the region. In addition to college football, the stadium is also a venue for concerts and community events, bringing diverse cultural experiences to the area.

Visiting Information

Address: 2701 Sun Bowl Drive, El Paso, TX 79902

Phone: (915) 747-5481

Parking: There are over 7,000 parking spots available around the stadium for events.

Events: Besides UTEP football and the Sun Bowl, the stadium regularly hosts concerts, special events, and community gatherings.

Legacy

Sun Bowl Stadium is an important part of El Paso's history, not just for its role in college football, but as a central gathering place for the community. It embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and provides a space for people to connect over shared experiences, whether it’s cheering for the Miners or attending a major concert. With its rich history, ongoing renovations, and continued relevance in the region, Sun Bowl Stadium remains a key symbol of El Paso’s cultural and athletic identity.