No matter where you look, there is no avoiding the infamous acronym and the bright orange of the UTEP Miners, because sitting on the shelves of local retail stores are eager boxes of UTEP themed Bud Light cans, and with football season just days away, the product has arrived with perfect timing.
This has given the El Paso community an opportunity to show off their pride for the school at cookouts, tailgates and even at home.
What garners media attention to the product, besides the vibrant design, is the exclusive club to which UTEP was invited to.
Only 26 teams have partnered with one of the most popular beer brands, Bud Light. Besides UTEP, schools like UT Austin, UT San Antonio, Sam Houston and Texas Tech have shook hands with the beer brand to have their logos on the can.
Fans only have a limited amount of time to buy their Miner marked cans.
However, the products are easily accessible to all students and fans who are 21 years of age or older.
In total, 30 thousand cans will be distributed across all stores that sell Bud Light in El Paso. All of which will only be available in 30 packs, in other words, they’re meant for tailgates and parties.
The partnership is a cherry on top of the already building excitement stirring for Miner football. The days are counting down until fans get to witness what Head Coach, and professional hype man, Scotty Walden and staff have been developing.
The anticipation is contagious, as it’s a feeling that fans haven’t felt regarding UTEP football in quite some time.
Current Assistant Athletic Director for NIL Strategy and Sports Excellence, Aaron Price, who like his father Mike Price, coached football at the university and believes that UTEP’s partnership only furthers fan engagement.
“I think El Pasoans love experience,” said Price. “And the experiences we can create as a university are above and beyond just what happens on the field.”
Price not only recognizes but cherishes the special quality of the El Paso community and the impact they have on game day.
“We’re a culture that loves to tailgate,”said Price. “Back in the day when (me and my farther were here), we sold out the Sun Bowl multiple times and had great crowds. With what they’re doing (with) sponsorships, it’s just creating a better gameday experience for people.”
For some, the partnership might seem like the university was accepting a financial opportunity, but that perspective dilutes the importance of Miners memorabilia to this community.
At its simplest form, it’s just a recyclable can. Yet it’s one that fans can choose to share with loved ones or keep for a collection if they choose.
Even if the fans aren’t physically in the stadium, they can at least hold a piece of UTEP pride in the palm of their hand.
UTEP football faces Nebraska at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. The game will also air on FOX and KLAQ 95.5 FM.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
