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Sun Bowl Stadium - home of UTEP in El Paso, TX
NCAA FBS

Sun Bowl StadiumEl Paso, Texas

UTEP

👥
Capacity
51,500
🏆
Conference
Mountain West
📅
Opened
1963
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Sun Bowl Stadium

Sun Bowl Stadium is one of college football's most unique venues, carved into the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas. It seats 51,500 and hosts UTEP football and the annual Sun Bowl game.

🏛️History

Origins

Built for $2.3M to replace old Kidd Field. Carved into the mountain using 220,000 cubic yards of rock. Opened in 1963.

Major Renovations

1982Expanded capacity to 52,000 for Sun Bowl growth
2001FieldTurf installed; amenity upgrades
2020Sun Bowl Drive tunnel and lighting upgrades

Notable Moments

Sep 21, 1963Stadium opened: UTEP beat North Texas 34-7
AnnuallyHosts the Sun Bowl, college football's second-oldest bowl game
Feb 11, 2001Record crowd of 53,415 for Sun Bowl (Purdue vs Washington)

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West side stands (under press box) offer afternoon shade. The mountain backdrop from the east side is spectacular.

Parking Tips

Lots SB2, SB3, and SCG are free but fill very early. Shuttle from south lots is highly recommended. I-10 exit 18 (Schuster) is main access.

Game Day

The sunset over the Franklin Mountains is legendary. Pay attention to the Bhutani architecture on campus. "Picks Up!" is the Miner greeting. Miners charge onto the field with a real donkey.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Hoppy Monk

$$

Famed beer bar with an extensive craft selection and outdoor patio near the stadium.

📍 1.1 miles4141 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902

💡 A great spot for craft beer lovers. Their burgers and rabbit tacos are also highly recommended.

Brew Sports Pub

$$

High-energy sports bar with numerous screens, perfect for catching other gameday action.

📍 3.5 miles8041 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79932

💡 A prime spot for local fans. Expect a lively crowd for both UTEP and Cowboys games.

🍽️Restaurants

West Texas Chophouse

$$$

Modern steakhouse offering dry-aged beef and handcrafted burgers in a polished setting.

📍 6.5 miles1135 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925

💡 Excellent for a celebratory dinner. The environment is sophisticated yet approachable for fans.

Corralito Steakhouse

$$

Family-owned institution blending traditional Mexican flavors with high-quality steaks.

📍 4.8 miles5800 Doniphan Dr, El Paso, TX 79932

💡 A local favorite. Try their specialty steaks with green chile—a true El Paso experience.

Mustard Seed Cafe

Free

Unique community-focused cafe operating on a pay-what-you-can model, offering fresh, seasonal dishes.

📍 2.1 miles1140 N St Vrain St, El Paso, TX 79902

💡 A wonderful, mission-driven spot for a lunch that gives back. Their menu changes frequently based on local ingredients.

🏨Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn El Paso / University

$$$

Modern hotel located right on the edge of the UTEP campus and very close to the stadium.

📍 0.8 miles111 W University Ave, El Paso, TX 79902

💡 The most convenient hotel for game attendance. Offers a complimentary shuttle within a 3-mile radius.

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

$$$$

Stunning historic hotel in downtown El Paso with luxury amenities and mountain views.

📍 2.5 miles106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

💡 A premium choice for fans who want to experience the revitalized downtown area. Their rooftop bar is incredible.

🎭Attractions

Franklin Mountains State Park

$

Massive urban park offering hiking, mountain biking, and a tramway with views of two countries.

📍 5.0 miles1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930

💡 If you have time before or after the game, the views from the summit are world-class.

El Paso Zoo

$$

Family-friendly zoo home to exotic animals from Africa, Asia, and North America.

📍 4.5 miles4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905

💡 A popular gameday morning activity for families. The Kalahari Research Station is a highlight.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

SB2 & SB3 Lots (Free Public)

Free
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 The main free parking area. It fills very quickly on gamedays; arrive at least 4 hours before kickoff.

🏢

Sun Bowl Drive Garage (Paid)

$20
Garage📍 0.2 miles

💡 The most convenient paid option, but passes must usually be purchased in advance via the UTEP ticket office.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Sun Bowl Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

→

Aggie Memorial Stadium

New Mexico State

Battle of I-10

Las Cruces, NM

→

Elliott T. Bowers Stadium

Sam Houston

Huntsville, TX

Stadiums Near Sun Bowl Stadium

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Aggie Memorial Stadium

New Mexico State

Las Cruces, NM38 mi
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University Stadium

New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM228 mi
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Jones AT&T Stadium

Texas Tech

Lubbock, TX297 mi
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Frank Kush Field, Home of the ASU Sun Devils/Mountain America Stadium

Arizona State

Tempe, AZ336 mi
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Chase Field

Arizona Diamondbacks

Phoenix, AZ343 mi
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State Farm Stadium

Arizona Cardinals

Glendale, AZ356 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.