‘Minerpalooza’ kicks off first UTEP football home game

The 24th Annual Minerpalooza pep rally Friday night kicks off the first home game for the Miner football team against Texas Tech.

The University of Texas at El Paso is calling it the ‘party of the century’ and anticipates thousands to attend.

Minerpalooza started more than twenty years ago with a picnic and a couple hundred students, but the tradition has become one of university’s largest events.

“Being UTEP’s Centennial, Minerpalooza will be bigger and bolder than ever before, featuring world-renowned talent, one-of-a-kind giveaways and the engagement of 100 UTEP student organizations,” said Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., UTEP associate vice president and dean of students.

The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to midnight in the P-9 parking lot located north of the Sun Bowl Stadium.

Minerpalooza will offer food, drinks, games and entertainment for the entire family.

Musical acts include The Cataracs, Fungi Mungle, Matt U Johnson, Latin Grammy-nominated Cristina Eustace, and hip-hop and electronic dance music artist Tim Gunter.

Free parking will be available at the lots along Sun Bowl Drive.

The Glory Road Transfer Center parking garage will charge $10 for parking.

Rain or shine the party goes on Friday night, said organizers.