The ever-popular pre-game tradition of tailgating will face some changes as construction continues on campus.
As a result, university officials put together a tailgate plan.
“Although we are going through a construction period, we don’t anticipate any issues with tailgating,” said Chris Park, associate athletics director.
The plan limits general tailgating to the south and west parts of campus, including areas around the Centennial Museum, the Undergraduate Learning Center, the library and the
College of Engineering building.
Donor tailgating will take place north of the Sun Bowl, around the Don Haskins Center and Memorial Gym. RV tailgating will only be allowed in Remote Parking Lot 5 across from the Physical Plant Complex.
The changes also include a refocus on student involvement.
“Miner Alley is going to be the new hot spot,” said Daniel Veale, UTEP athletics director of marketing and promotions.
Veale said the space between the Sun Bowl parking garage and Fox Fine Arts Center will be home to food vendors, student organizations and even a hookah lounge.
Students can expect contests and live music, plus free items and information provided by representatives of the It’s All Good El Paso campaign.
Veale said tailgating is important in order to welcome students to a new era of UTEP football.
“Actually, it appeals to me,” said Rebecca Robinson, sophomore psychology major. “I’m interested to see what else is there. I’ll be there.”
Free parking will begin at 8 a.m. Most parking lots off Schuster Avenue will be used for tailgating and will have open parking.
Lots S-6, S-4 and S-3 will be the prime locations for students attending Miner Alley. The Sun Bowl garage will be limited to paid parking and current permit holders.
S. David Ramirez may be reached at [email protected].
