UTEP is ready to kick off academic year with Minerpalooza

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is closing its Miner Welcome festivities with its annual Minerpalooza event.

The free event, which will be open to the public, will happen from 6 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6 in Centennial Plaza.

“Minerpalooza is a vital part of UTEP’s efforts to foster a sense of belonging among our students and support them as they create meaningful connections on campus,” said Charlin Jones-Chávez, assistant dean of students. “The celebration also serves as a bridge between the University and our local community, strengthening the bonds that make them both so vibrant.”

Minerpalooza will feature a dedicated kids’ area, a beer and wine garden for adults over the age of 21, live music and UTEP’s Battle of the Bands.

This year’s Minerpalooza line-up will include Feline Fox, Jezzika Sax y Los Amores Prohibidos, DJ Raul Facio and local artist DJ Technotics.

The bands competing in the Battle of the Bands are Vampira, Saving Bandit and Beach Cowboys which will be this year’s final event, according to UTEP.

Guests can buy tickets for games and activities. The proceeds will go to UTEP’s student group annual initiatives.

Minerpalooza is the main fundraising event each year, according to UTEP.

Free parking will be available at the following lots and garages:

• Schuster 2 , 3 and 4
• Schuster Garage
• Sun Bowl 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and 8
• Sun Bowl Garage

ADA guest parking is available in the University 3 lot located next to the Liberal Arts building.

Minerpalooza has a clear bag policy, visit their website here to learn more about what guests can bring into the event.

Visit UTEP’s website here to learn about the food and beverage options, parking, activities and music lineup, or call the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at (915) 747-5670.

The “M” on the mountain across from the Sun Bowl and the “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Ave. will be lit up orange and blue to celebrate Minerpalooza.

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