El Paso is not known for having professional sports teams, however, there is no need to be in despair. The Prospector is here to let you know the sports available here in the 915 area.
Starting with our city’s university, UTEP has amazing Division One teams that have won many championships. One of the more popular sports to watch is the UTEP Miners football team. With the first home game happening Sept. 2 against the Incarnate Word Cardinals, everyone is invited to pack the Sun Bowl Stadium and take part in all the pregame festivities including the tailgating.
Other big UTEP sports are the men’s and women’s basketball team. Their seasons start every November with bar always set high, especially when the men’s team is notably known for being the 1966 NCAA Champions. In case you are not a big fan of basketball or football UTEP has a variety of other amazing teams to watch such as volleyball, softball, track and field, rifle, tennis, golf and its newest addition beach volleyball.
Aside collegiate sports, El Paso has other teams for your entertainment like the El Paso Chihuahuas who are a minor league baseball team that are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres and take part in the Pacific Coast League (PCL). The Chihuahuas play their home games at Southwest University Park and travel the country to play other teams such as the Alburquerque Isotopes.
For the soccer fans out there, El Paso has their own American professional team, the El Paso Locomotive FC who were founded in 2018 and later made their official debut in the United Soccer League (USL) Championships in 2019. This year will be the team’s fifth season in the USL Championship. According to head coach Brain Clarhaut, fans should expect an “intensive” and “aggressive” soccer season in 2023.
One of El Paso’s hidden gems is the El Paso Rhinos, a junior hockey team part of the North American Hockey League. Strange to think of a winter sport in one of the hottest places but the Rhinos have made a well reputation for themselves having amassed one national title, eleven divisional titles and four national berths during their time in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL). All home games take place within the El Paso County Coliseum complex.
El Paso has great sports entertainment for any sport lovers out there. So, for those who think there is not much offered in the Sun City now you know what it is. So go out there and enjoy some thrilling games.
Melaney Rivera is a guest contributor
