UTEP vs. Army: Everything you need to know
The UTEP football team will play host to Army on Saturday at Sun Bowl Stadium.
With Fort Bliss in the Miners’ backyard, the game, which kicks off earlier than usual at 5 p.m., will feature several attractions, ceremonies and giveaways. Representatives from Fort Bliss, El Paso, UTEP and West Point, for example, will take part in a unified coin toss after an Apache helicopter flyover and a parachute jump team delivers the game ball.
The University of Texas at El Paso compiled a list of things fans “need to know” for UTEP vs. Army:
Game time: Kickoff is at 5:06 p.m. Note this is an hour earlier than the Miners’ typical start times.
Tickets: Call 747-5234 or visit ticketmaster.com. Discounted military tickets are available starting at $10. Student tickets available through www.sportslottery.utep.edu.
With a large crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium at least an hour before kickoff. They’ll want to be in their seats for the pregame show, which begins at 4:40 p.m.
Parking: Free lots are as follows – S3 (south of Sun Bowl stadium), and P1, P2, P3 & P4 (on Schuster Avenue). A courtesy shuttle is available to and from the south lots only.
RV Parking: Available in the R5 lot (formerly the Rudolph lot) off the Sun Bowl Drive entrance. RVs are encouraged to access R5 using Mesa Street in order to easily access Sun Bowl Drive. The lot opens at 6 a.m. on Friday. Single game passes are $50 and are available by calling (915) 747-5234.
Army static displays: An M1 Abrams Tank, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, Patriot Missile Launcher, M1117 Armored Security Vehicle and M1135 NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle will be displayed in parking lots around the stadium.
Giveaways: Upon arrival at the stadium, all fans will receive either a red, white or blue rally towel depending on what section they are sitting in. The public address announcer will let you know when to wave your towel to create a spectacular patriotic atmosphere in the stadium! In addition, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative military ID tags.
Pregame: The pre-game show features performances by the UTEP and Fort Bliss’ 1-AD bands, an American flag draping the entire Sun Bowl field, an Apache Helicopter flyover and a Parachute Jump Team delivering the game ball. The unified coin toss will include representatives from Fort Bliss, El Paso, UTEP and West Point. Two Fort Bliss Wounded Warriors who won in competition at the Warrior Games will carry the “Miner Pick” and lead the Miners from the tunnel onto the field. A moment of silence will be observed for Army player Brandon Jackson, who passed away in an automobile accident on Sunday.
Ingame: Will feature special recognitions and video board tributes honoring our military.
Halftime: The halftime show will feature performances by the UTEP and Fort Bliss’ 1-AD) bands and the USO Show Troop, as well as an enlistment ceremony. The Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year will also be honored.
Postgame: Families are invited to come down on the field following the game and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show.
