How to Tailgate UTEP Sun Bowl Like a Miner

The Sun Bowl is more than just a college football game—it’s a tradition steeped in grit, pride, and community. For fans of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners, tailgating before the Sun Bowl isn’t just about food and football; it’s a ritual that binds alumni, students, and local supporters together in a shared identity. To tailgate like a true Miner is to honor decades of resilience, underdog spirit, and the unique culture of the Borderland. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a first-time attendee, mastering the art of UTEP Sun Bowl tailgating means embracing local flavors, team traditions, and the unmistakable energy of El Paso’s desert air. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning your setup to connecting with fellow Miners, ensuring your experience is as authentic as the team’s iconic silver and gold.

Step-by-Step Guide

Plan Your Tailgate Location Early

Location is everything when tailgating at the Sun Bowl. While the stadium itself sits on the campus of UTEP in El Paso, the real tailgating magic happens in the surrounding lots and streets—especially near the Sun Bowl Stadium’s east and south entrances. Popular spots include the UTEP Alumni Parking Lot, the Sun Bowl Stadium South Lot, and the stretch along University Avenue near the Sun Bowl’s main gate. These areas fill up fast, especially for high-profile matchups. Secure your spot by arriving at least 4–5 hours before kickoff. Many loyal Miners stake their claim the night before, using cones, chairs, or even a small sign with the UTEP logo to mark territory. Pro tip: Coordinate with your group ahead of time to ensure everyone knows the meeting point. Google Maps and UTEP’s official game day map are invaluable tools for navigating the campus and identifying permitted tailgating zones.

Build a Miner-Themed Tailgate Setup

A true Miner tailgate doesn’t just look like a party—it looks like a piece of UTEP. Start with the colors: silver and gold. Drape your canopy or tent in UTEP-branded fabric, hang banners with the Miners’ mascot, “The Miner,” and use LED string lights in silver to illuminate your space after sunset. Incorporate mining imagery: old pickaxes, vintage mining helmets (replicas are fine), and even small signs that read “Dig Deep” or “Miner Pride.” Many fans bring a custom-made “Miner’s Lantern” made from a mason jar with a battery-powered LED inside, symbolizing the light that guides miners underground—just as the team guides its fans through every game. Don’t forget the UTEP flag. Flying it proudly signals your allegiance and invites camaraderie from fellow supporters.

Prepare Authentic Borderland Food

Food is the heartbeat of any great tailgate, and in El Paso, it’s deeply rooted in the region’s Mexican-American heritage. Skip the generic burgers and hot dogs—go local. Start with carne asada tacos, made with thinly sliced grilled beef, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, served on handmade corn tortillas. Add a side of chiles rellenos stuffed with cheese and lightly battered, or crispy fried taquitos with a side of queso fundido. For a true Miner twist, serve “Miner’s Chili”—a hearty, slow-cooked beef chili with beans, cumin, and a hint of cocoa powder, a secret family recipe passed down through generations of UTEP fans. Pair it with horchata, a sweet rice milk drink, or Jarritos in tamarind or mandarin flavor. Bring a portable propane grill or a small camp stove to cook fresh on-site. Don’t forget the condiments: a bottle of El Paso’s famous El Yucateco habanero sauce and a jar of homemade salsa macha are non-negotiable.

Bring the Right Gear

El Paso’s desert climate can shift dramatically—from blazing midday heat to chilly evening winds. Pack accordingly. Start with a heavy-duty pop-up canopy or tent with UV protection. Bring folding chairs with armrests and cup holders, and invest in a durable cooler that can keep ice for over 24 hours. Use insulated drink carriers for beer and soda, and label them with UTEP stickers. A portable power station is essential to keep phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, and LED lights running. Bring a small folding table for food prep and games. Don’t overlook the little things: wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. For comfort, pack a lightweight blanket or a UTEP-branded stadium seat cushion. And always bring extra trash bags—Miners respect the land and leave no trace.

Engage in Miner Traditions

What sets UTEP tailgating apart is its deep-rooted traditions. One of the most beloved is the “Miner’s Chant.” Gather your group and lead the crowd in a rhythmic chant: “M-I-N-E-R-S, MINERS! Let’s go, Miners!” Repeat it three times, then pause, then shout “SUN BOWL!” in unison. Another tradition is the “Silver & Gold Parade”—a spontaneous walk from the tailgate lot to the stadium entrance, where fans sing the UTEP fight song, “The UTEP March,” and wave flags. Bring a small, portable speaker to play the song on loop. Also, many fans bring a small piece of ore or a quartz stone from the nearby Franklin Mountains, placing it at their tailgate as a symbol of the mining heritage that gave the school its name. At kickoff, raise your drink and say, “For the Miner, for the Borderland!” before taking the first sip.

Connect With the UTEP Community

Tailgating is social by nature, but tailgating like a Miner means going beyond small talk. Look for other fans wearing UTEP gear—even if it’s old or faded. Strike up a conversation. Ask where they’re from, how long they’ve supported the team, or if they remember a legendary game. Many alumni bring photos or memorabilia from past Sun Bowls. Share stories. If you’re a student, introduce yourself to alumni who’ve been coming for 30+ years—they’ll appreciate your passion. Join the UTEP Tailgate Network on Facebook or check the official UTEP Athletics app for pre-game meetups. Some alumni chapters organize group tailgates with reserved tables. Don’t be shy to join one. You’ll find that the UTEP community is tight-knit, loyal, and welcoming—even to newcomers.

Arrive Early, Leave Proudly

Arriving early isn’t just about securing a spot—it’s about soaking in the atmosphere. The hours before kickoff are when the real spirit emerges: the smell of sizzling carne asada, the sound of mariachi music drifting from nearby lots, the laughter of families gathered under tents. Stay until the final whistle. Even if the game is close or the outcome is uncertain, your presence matters. When you leave, take your trash, thank your neighbors, and say goodbye to the people you met. Many Miners leave a small UTEP sticker or pin on a bench or lamppost near the stadium as a silent tribute. It’s a quiet way to say, “I was here. I stood with the Miners.”

Best Practices

Respect the Desert Environment

El Paso sits in the Chihuahuan Desert, a fragile ecosystem that demands respect. Never leave glass bottles, plastic, or food waste behind. Use biodegradable plates and utensils when possible. Avoid using excessive glitter, confetti, or paint that can harm the soil. Bring reusable containers and avoid single-use plastics. Many tailgaters now use compostable napkins and bamboo straws. Remember: you’re not just representing UTEP—you’re representing the land that shaped it.

Be Inclusive and Welcoming

UTEP’s fan base is diverse—students from 120+ countries, military families from nearby Fort Bliss, generations of El Pasoans, and even fans from Mexico who cross the border to support the Miners. Tailgating like a Miner means embracing that diversity. Speak Spanish if you can. Offer a bite of your food to someone who looks lost. Share your umbrella if it starts to rain. The Miner spirit is not about exclusivity—it’s about unity. If you see someone without a team shirt, hand them a free UTEP sticker. Small gestures build lasting memories.

Stay Safe and Sober

While a cold beer is part of the tradition, safety comes first. Designate a sober driver or coordinate rideshares ahead of time. Avoid bringing large quantities of alcohol—stick to a few coolers. Never drink and drive, even if you’re just heading to the next lot. Keep your valuables secure. Don’t leave wallets, phones, or tickets unattended. Use a lockable cooler or a small safe. If you’re camping overnight, secure your tent and avoid leaving gear out after dark. The UTEP Police Department and El Paso PD patrol tailgating areas—cooperate with them. They’re there to help, not to shut things down.

Follow Stadium and Campus Rules

UTEP and the Sun Bowl have clear guidelines for tailgating. No open flames beyond approved grills. No amplified sound after 6 p.m. No tents larger than 10x10 feet without a permit. No parking in fire lanes or blocking emergency exits. Check the official UTEP Athletics website for the current year’s tailgating policy. Violations can lead to ticket revocation or being asked to leave. Respect the rules, and you’ll be welcomed back year after year.

Support Local Businesses

One of the best ways to honor UTEP’s roots is to support the local economy. Buy your carne asada meat from a family-owned butcher on Mesa Street. Get your UTEP gear from the UTEP Bookstore or a local vendor like Borderland Merch. Grab your salsa from a small shop in the Segundo Barrio. Avoid buying knockoff merchandise from outside vendors—those profits don’t go back to the university or the community. When you buy local, you’re investing in the culture that makes UTEP tailgating unique.

Document and Share Your Experience

Take photos—not just selfies, but candid shots of families cooking, fans dancing to mariachi, the sunset over the Franklin Mountains behind the tailgate. Post them on social media with hashtags like

MinerPride, #SunBowlTailgate, #UTEPFamily. Tag UTEP Athletics and use geotags. Your posts help build the legacy. Many alumni and prospective students discover the tailgating culture through these shared moments. You’re not just attending a game—you’re curating UTEP’s story.

Tools and Resources

Official UTEP Athletics Website

Start with utepminers.com. This is your primary source for game day updates, parking maps, tailgating rules, and event schedules. The site includes downloadable PDFs of the campus map, shuttle routes, and a list of approved vendors. Bookmark it before game day.

UTEP Tailgate Network (Facebook Group)

Search for “UTEP Tailgate Network” on Facebook. This active community of 12,000+ fans shares tips, organizes group tailgates, sells or trades UTEP gear, and posts live updates on game day. It’s the unofficial hub for all things Miner tailgating.

UTEP Athletics App

Download the official UTEP Athletics app (available on iOS and Android). It offers real-time score updates, stadium navigation, parking alerts, and push notifications for weather changes or schedule adjustments. It also includes a digital version of the UTEP fight song and chants.

Local Food Suppliers

For authentic ingredients, visit:

• El Paso Meat Market – 1200 N. Mesa St. – Best carne asada cuts
• La Frontera Salsa Co. – 415 S. El Paso St. – Handmade salsas and queso
• La Paloma Bakery – 801 E. San Antonio St. – Fresh corn tortillas daily

UTEP Alumni Chapters

Connect with your local UTEP alumni chapter. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Austin, or even Mexico City, there’s likely a group that organizes group tailgates or watch parties. Visit the UTEP Alumni Association website to find your chapter.

Portable Gear Essentials

Here’s a curated list of gear that top Miners swear by:

• RTIC 65-Quart Cooler – Holds 60+ cans, keeps ice for 5+ days
• Coleman Instant Canopy – Sets up in 60 seconds, UV-resistant
• Jackery Portable Power Station 300 – Powers speakers, phone chargers, and LED lights
• UTEP-Branded Folding Chairs – Available on the UTEP Bookstore website
• Rechargeable LED Lanterns – Solar-charged, silver finish to match team colors

Weather and Traffic Tools

Use Weather.com for El Paso-specific forecasts. Tailgating often begins at noon, but temperatures can reach 90°F in December. Check wind patterns—El Paso can get sudden gusts from the north. For traffic, use Waze and set your destination to “Sun Bowl Stadium.” The app will reroute you around road closures and parking bottlenecks.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family Tradition

The Martinez family from El Paso has been tailgating at every Sun Bowl since 1987. Their setup is legendary: a 12x12 tent painted with the UTEP logo, a vintage 1966 Ford pickup truck parked beside it with a “1966 Sun Bowl Champs” sign, and a table filled with five generations of family photos from past games. They cook a secret family recipe for “Miner’s Stew”—a blend of beef, hominy, and chiles—served with handmade tortillas. Every year, they invite one new fan to join them. Last year, they welcomed a UTEP freshman from Honduras who had never seen a live game. By halftime, he was wearing a custom-made silver-and-gold hat and leading the chant. “We don’t just tailgate,” says Abuela Martinez. “We pass on the light.”

Example 2: The Alumni Reunion Tailgate

In 2022, a group of 35 UTEP alumni from the Class of 1995 organized a tailgate in the Alumni Parking Lot. They rented a large tent, hired a local mariachi band to play the fight song, and brought a 50-pound block of ice shaped like a miner’s helmet. They served 200 tacos, 100 bottles of Jarritos, and a cake shaped like the Sun Bowl trophy. Each guest received a hand-carved wooden keychain with their graduation year. They also set up a photo booth with props from the 90s—big hair, UTEP sweatshirts, and a sign that read, “We Were Miners Then. We’re Miners Now.” The group raised $3,000 in donations for the UTEP Football Scholarship Fund. Their tailgate became a viral video on TikTok with over 2 million views.

Example 3: The First-Time Miner

Carlos, a 22-year-old transfer student from Chicago, had never been to El Paso before the 2023 Sun Bowl. He bought a UTEP t-shirt on eBay and showed up with a cheap cooler and a bag of chips. He didn’t know the chant. He didn’t know where to park. But he sat near a group of seniors who noticed his shirt. They invited him to join them. They taught him the chant. They gave him a homemade salsa recipe. They let him light their miner’s lantern. By the end of the game, Carlos was crying. “I didn’t know I needed this,” he told them. “I didn’t know I was a Miner.” He graduated in 2025 and now leads the freshman tailgate orientation.

Example 4: The Military Family Tailgate

Every year, a group of UTEP fans connected to Fort Bliss sets up a tailgate with a U.S. flag and a UTEP flag side by side. They serve “Freedom Chili” and donate proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project. They invite active-duty soldiers to join them, often bringing their children. One year, a soldier who had just returned from deployment brought his daughter. She wore a tiny UTEP onesie. When the Miners scored a touchdown, she clapped so hard she fell off her chair. The crowd cheered louder. That moment, captured on video, now plays on the UTEP stadium screen before every home game.

FAQs

Can I bring a grill to the Sun Bowl tailgate?

Yes, portable propane or charcoal grills are allowed, but open flames and large fire pits are prohibited. Always keep your grill on a non-flammable surface and never leave it unattended. Many tailgaters use grills with built-in temperature controls to avoid flare-ups.

What time should I arrive to get a good tailgating spot?

Arrive at least 4–5 hours before kickoff. For major matchups, many fans arrive the night before. The best spots are near the main entrances and along University Avenue. Check the UTEP Athletics website for designated tailgating zones.

Is alcohol allowed in tailgating areas?

Yes, alcohol is permitted in designated tailgating areas, but not inside the stadium. Glass containers are discouraged—stick to cans or plastic bottles. Never drink and drive. Designate a sober driver or use rideshare services.

Can I sell food or merchandise at my tailgate?

No. Selling food or merchandise without a permit from UTEP or the Sun Bowl Committee is prohibited. Tailgating is for personal and community enjoyment, not commercial activity. You can give food away, but not charge for it.

What if it rains or gets too cold?

El Paso winters are typically dry, but temperatures can drop below 40°F at night. Bring warm layers, thermal blankets, and a windproof canopy. Rain is rare, but if it occurs, use waterproof tarps and keep electronics in sealed containers.

Are there tailgating events for out-of-town fans?

Yes. The UTEP Alumni Association hosts welcome events for visiting fans, including pre-game dinners and guided tailgate tours. Check the UTEP Athletics website or contact the alumni office for details.

How do I get UTEP merchandise for my tailgate?

Visit the UTEP Bookstore on campus or shop online at shop.utepminers.com. You’ll find official gear, including limited-edition Sun Bowl apparel. Local shops like Borderland Merch and Miner’s Corner also carry authentic, locally made items.

What’s the best way to get to the Sun Bowl on game day?

UTEP offers free shuttle services from designated parking lots across El Paso. Check the official game day map for shuttle routes. Carpooling is encouraged. Avoid driving into the campus core—traffic is heavy, and parking is limited.

Can I bring my pet to the tailgate?

Yes, pets are allowed in tailgating areas as long as they’re leashed and under control. Bring water, waste bags, and a shaded area for them. Many fans bring their dogs wearing UTEP bandanas.

How can I support UTEP Football beyond tailgating?

Donate to the UTEP Football Scholarship Fund, attend booster club meetings, or volunteer at youth football clinics hosted by the team. You can also follow and share UTEP’s social media content to help grow the fanbase.

Conclusion

Tailgating like a Miner isn’t about how big your tent is or how many beers you bring. It’s about the spirit you carry—the grit of the desert, the pride of the border, the legacy of a team that refuses to be underestimated. When you set up your table with silver and gold, when you share your salsa with a stranger, when you chant until your voice cracks—you become part of something bigger than a game. You become part of UTEP’s story.

The Sun Bowl has seen champions, comebacks, and unforgettable moments. But the true magic lies not on the field—it’s in the lots around it, where families gather, traditions are born, and new Miners are made. This guide has given you the tools, the traditions, and the truth: to tailgate like a Miner is to belong.

So pack your cooler. Light your lantern. Find your people. And when the kickoff whistle blows, raise your drink—not just for the team, but for the land, the legacy, and the love that turns a tailgate into a movement. Welcome to the fold, Miner.