New MWC Possibility:

[kickballpro]

I agree it’s going to be changing quickly. There is more money to be made in a large college football playoff format than all these meaningless bowl games now days that teams and starting players don’t even want to play in. Teams and players want to play for a national championship.

These playoff games will draw more than 47k fans and that is why, like you mentioned, these large cities like Nashville, LA, Minneapolis, Vegas etc. want these games and their stadiums hold more than 47k fans and they have luxury suites for the high roller fans. These sites will generate more revenue than a game at the Sun Bowl will.

Weather isn’t really an issue. The Penn State and Ohio State games were freezing and didn’t simply from selling out. And I am curious why you think the age of the Sun Bowl is a something going on favor of hosting a college football playoff game?

Trying to be proactive and investing hundreds of millions of dollars into making the Sun Bowl a desirable college football destination will turn into a disaster IMO. We already altered the Sun Bowl to accommodate “ big time” soccer matches and lol how that turned out.

I mention the age of the Sun Bowl playing a factor because earlier this year in El Paso, 350 bowl executives met for 2 days.

One of the talking points was the Bowl Presidents want the Bowl Games to be the host sites for all Playoff games.

The long standing tradition of the Sun Bowl is one thing the Sun Bowl has over other places.

I do not believe El Paso and the Sun Bowl will ever host.

All I am saying is that the College Football Playoff is the future of the Sport, it’s going to blow up, it’s going to be massive, and it’s going to be lucrative.

And if the Sun Bowl wants to be involved, they better start now because we will be left behind like we are in everything else.

 

[FedupMiner]

I want the sun Bowl to get involved too , but unfortunately they are a small fish in the ocean with a bunch of sharks.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

The only way El Paso hosts anything of significance would be if they built a state of the art stadium and El Paso became a tourist destination. Neither of which are happening.

 

[Sports Opinion]

The only way El Paso hosts anything of significance would be if they built a state of the art stadium and El Paso became a tourist destination. Neither of which are happening.

Here’s something I honestly don’t get that I know it’s not directly related, but for example Soccer World Cup Group Stage Games and even knock out stage games, the requirement set by FIFA is for stadiums is to have a minimum 40K seat capacity. Why the Sunbowl with its 45k seat capacity wouldn’t qualify for a playoff game ? Consider that the WC makes far far far far more money that even the Super Bowl and NFL combined. Just curiosity

 

[KaneFan29]

Here’s something I honestly don’t get that I know it’s not directly related, but for example Soccer World Cup Group Stage Games and even knock out stage games, the requirement set by FIFA is for stadiums is to have a minimum 40K seat capacity. Why the Sunbowl with its 45k seat capacity wouldn’t qualify for a playoff game ? Consider that the WC makes far far far far more money that even the Super Bowl and NFL combined. Just curiosity

The US has the biggest stadiums in the world. European countries don’t have close to the amount that we do. They have to lower their standards to spread out the games.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

Here’s something I honestly don’t get that I know it’s not directly related, but for example Soccer World Cup Group Stage Games and even knock out stage games, the requirement set by FIFA is for stadiums is to have a minimum 40K seat capacity. Why the Sunbowl with its 45k seat capacity wouldn’t qualify for a playoff game ? Consider that the WC makes far far far far more money that even the Super Bowl and NFL combined. Just curiosity

We may have had a shot in 1994 and 1998 when Albuquerque got some USMNT friendlies but when you look at the stadiums and cities we’d be competing against in 2026 we have no shot in hell.

Look at the smallest US stadium hosting games in 2026. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has a capacity of 64,767, and no metal benches. I bet it has modern restrooms and not metal troughs, box seats and areas for hospitality which are major revenue generators for FIFA. Also a dome may be required to entice any major sporting even in the summer so that players and fans aren’t dying dealing with the dust and 100 degree heat. Not to mention the lousy parking in the area and it’s just not a realistic possibility.

And like I said: El Paso, is El Paso. If Chicago, Vegas, New Orleans and other NFL caliber cities can’t get games El Paso has no shot in hell. What’s El Paso’s pitch going to be, “Go to Juarez, play golf…… uh…. Western Playland…… Wet N Wild…….. sunsets……. Mexican food!”

Just food for thought:
Look at the cities hosting the 2025 Gold Cup. Can we confidently say that El Paso and the Sun Bowl could replace any of those host cities? PayPal Park in San Jose is super small but they have individual seats which is great. It has shade, and it looks like it has box seats close to the field so there are hospitality opportunities.

The Sun Bowl and Don Haskins are both outdated and to modernize both facilities may be too costly. At the same time it’s WAY too costly to build new arenas.

 

[Sports Opinion]

We may have had a shot in 1994 and 1998 when Albuquerque got some USMNT friendlies but when you look at the stadiums and cities we’d be competing against in 2026 we have no shot in hell.

Look at the smallest US stadium hosting games in 2026. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has a capacity of 64,767, and no metal benches. I bet it has modern restrooms and not metal troughs, box seats and areas for hospitality which are major revenue generators for FIFA. Also a dome may be required to entice any major sporting even in the summer so that players and fans aren’t dying dealing with the dust and 100 degree heat. Not to mention the lousy parking in the area and it’s just not a realistic possibility.

And like I said: El Paso, is El Paso. If Chicago, Vegas, New Orleans and other NFL caliber cities can’t get games El Paso has no shot in hell. What’s El Paso’s pitch going to be, “Go to Juarez, play golf…… uh…. Western Playland…… Wet N Wild…….. sunsets……. Mexican food!”

Just food for thought:
Look at the cities hosting the 2025 Gold Cup. Can we confidently say that El Paso and the Sun Bowl could replace any of those host cities? PayPal Park in San Jose is super small but they have individual seats which is great. It has shade, and it looks like it has box seats close to the field so there are hospitality opportunities.

The Sun Bowl and Don Haskins are both outdated and to modernize both facilities may be too costly. At the same time it’s WAY too costly to build new arenas.

If that is the case you’re absolutely right. As for basketball I once heard Jon Teicher say that the DHC was built with the option or capability of expanding its seating capacity to add around 2K more seats by removing the roof and obviously putting a new one, but I guess that wouldn’t be enough for todays standards.

 

[UTEPfan1966]

If that is the case you’re absolutely right. As for basketball I once heard Jon Teicher say that the DHC was built with the option or capability of expanding its seating capacity to add around 2K more seats by removing the roof and obviously putting a new one, but I guess that wouldn’t be enough for todays standards.

Honestly, I think putting in better seats (a lot are broken) and reducing the capacity, is the way to go.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

If that is the case you’re absolutely right. As for basketball I once heard Jon Teicher say that the DHC was built with the option or capability of expanding its seating capacity to add around 2K more seats by removing the roof and obviously putting a new one, but I guess that wouldn’t be enough for todays standards.

But the DHC is archaic by today’s standards because it does not have an expandable footprint, and lacks modern rigging for concerts as well. So in order to modernize the DHC you’re looking at breaking the foundation to add moveable bleachers, reinforcing the roof to add the ability to hold modern stage rigging, and expanding the capacity, and can we add luxury suites? Problem with that is I don’t know if we have a fan base willing to pay increased prices to sit in a luxury suite to watch average UTEP basketball.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

Honestly, I think putting in better seats (a lot are broken) and reducing the capacity, is the way to go.

That’s what I think UTEP needs to do to the Sun Bowl as well. I’d rather have 44-45k individual seats, instead of 50k+ benches. We’re not selling out, so no big deal.

 

[TxRdKiller]

The Sun Bowl and Don Haskins are both outdated and to modernize both facilities may be too costly. At the same time it’s WAY too costly to build new arenas.

This is the thinking that needs to change. No city that has found success with arenas thought it was too costly to modernize or build new. I'm not saying "build it and they will come" but I think it could work in El Paso since there's really nothing else there. The Alamodome in San Antonio failed to bring in a NFL team. And it's garbage now. I was in it a few years ago and had forgotten how horrible the parking situation is around it and just how dated it is now. The Sun Bowl needs continuing modernization to stay relevant or at least competetive in the larger scheme of things.

 

[TxRdKiller]

But the DHC is archaic by today’s standards because it does not have an expandable footprint, and lacks modern rigging for concerts as well. So in order to modernize the DHC you’re looking at breaking the foundation to add moveable bleachers, reinforcing the roof to add the ability to hold modern stage rigging, and expanding the capacity, and can we add luxury suites? Problem with that is I don’t know if we have a fan base willing to pay increased prices to sit in a luxury suite to watch average UTEP basketball.

I've been to several games at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. for Jayhawks games. Allen Fieldhouse has a capacity of over 16,000. There are no luxury suites nor external food vendors. The university awards the concessions contract to whichever vendor will kick back the most money to the university.

And it's sold out every game. Win and people will come. I still think the DHC can probably benefit from some amount of modernization but the Miners just have to win first and foremost.

 

[KaneFan29]

I've been to several games at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. for Jayhawks games. Allen Fieldhouse has a capacity of over 16,000. There are no luxury suites nor external food vendors. The university awards the concessions contract to whichever vendor will kick back the most money to the university.

And it's sold out every game. Win and people will come. I still think the DHC can probably benefit from some amount of modernization but the Miners just have to win first and foremost.

Come on now. There’s nothing to do in Lawrence and you’re talking about a blue blood program.

UTEP isn’t winning like that. Even in the 80’s, UTEP didn’t come close to the success that Kansas had.

 

[KaneFan29]

Big cities will cater to pro teams because they can hook the taxpayers for the majority of the cost, instead of the billionaire owners. They come up with these economic studies and talk about lost revenue, etc.

The problem here is, the city and UTEP will likely argue about the control of revenue from events. The city doesn’t want to share revenue with UTEP and vice versa. So what’s in it for either to share cost of building and maintaining new arenas?

UTEP wants to hold Monster Jam and keep the most revenue they can, they don’t want to half it with the city. That’s why nothing will get done.

We’re probably like 10-15 years away from the Chihuahuas asking for $20,000,000 in renovations to SUP.

 

[TxRdKiller]

Come on now. There’s nothing to do in Lawrence and you’re talking about a blue blood program.

UTEP isn’t winning like that. Even in the 80’s, UTEP didn’t come close to the success that Kansas had.

Are you saying that a #4 ranking and wins over Georgetown and other schools at the time wasn't Kansas-level success? It may have been short lived but let's give a little credit where it is due.

 

[TxRdKiller]

The problem here is, the city and UTEP will likely argue about the control of revenue from events. The city doesn’t want to share revenue with UTEP and vice versa. So what’s in it for either to share cost of building and maintaining new arenas?

Everything.

 

[KaneFan29]

Are you saying that a #4 ranking and wins over Georgetown and other schools at the time wasn't Kansas-level success? It may have been short lived but let's give a little credit where it is due.

Correct that’s what I am saying. Kansas made 4 Sweet 16s in the 80s. UTEP won 3 NCAA Tournament games in the 80s and 0 Sweet 16s.

 

[KaneFan29]

Everything.

Nope. Each doesn’t get their full share of money. That’s the only thing that’s important. Fans are not.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

I've been to several games at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS. for Jayhawks games. Allen Fieldhouse has a capacity of over 16,000. There are no luxury suites nor external food vendors. The university awards the concessions contract to whichever vendor will kick back the most money to the university.

And it's sold out every game. Win and people will come. I still think the DHC can probably benefit from some amount of modernization but the Miners just have to win first and foremost.

But Kansas is Kansas. I’m sure they have big time donors willing to fork out big money for tickets. I looked online and the GA tickets in the end behind the baskets for the Jan 8th game vs ASU are 75.00. For the March game vs Texas Tech they’re 125.00. I can only imagine what half court would cost. For comparison mid court vs NMSU is 50.00 while seats behind the basket are 14.00 each. That’s a difference in over 400%.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

Big cities will cater to pro teams because they can hook the taxpayers for the majority of the cost, instead of the billionaire owners. They come up with these economic studies and talk about lost revenue, etc.

The problem here is, the city and UTEP will likely argue about the control of revenue from events. The city doesn’t want to share revenue with UTEP and vice versa. So what’s in it for either to share cost of building and maintaining new arenas?

UTEP wants to hold Monster Jam and keep the most revenue they can, they don’t want to half it with the city. That’s why nothing will get done.

We’re probably like 10-15 years away from the Chihuahuas asking for $20,000,000 in renovations to SUP.

Yup. And that inability to work on a fair deal for both means that it will be tough to build a new arena without a permanent tenant. And the voters have spoken, they don’t want their tax dollars going to renovate a facility that is owned by the university.

 

[axingfools1]

I think UTEP should build a new DHC/arena, indoor football facility and track with parking. I would definitely donate for this.

I dont think we are getting any big games (playoff, WC, etc) at the Sun Bowl other than THE Sun Bowl or potentially big UTEP games in the future. Renovations are ok for the Sun Bowl.

 

[KaneFan29]

I think UTEP should build a new DHC/arena, indoor football facility and track with parking. I would definitely donate for this.

I dont think we are getting any big games (playoff, WC, etc) at the Sun Bowl other than THE Sun Bowl or potentially big UTEP games in the future. Renovations are ok for the Sun Bowl.

That’s just fantasy though. There’s no reason to build a new arena if you’re getting 6k a game. Also, where would they put it?

UTEP isn’t getting a new arena unless a donor(s) is taking care of 90% of the bill.

 

[TxRdKiller]

I think UTEP should build a new DHC/arena, indoor football facility and track with parking. I would definitely donate for this.

I dont think we are getting any big games (playoff, WC, etc) at the Sun Bowl other than THE Sun Bowl or potentially big UTEP games in the future. Renovations are ok for the Sun Bowl.

This would be awesome but I'm not sure there's an appetite in El Paso to make this happen. The Foster and Hunt families have to think they've given more than their share by now. There's got to be other millionaire families that can also donate to make things happen in the city.

City and UTEP leadership have their names and numbers. I wish they would come together and collaborate. Work something out. And it doesn't have to be a joint solution. Just talk. Eventually they can figure out what is better done by the city, what is better done by the university, and what can be done together.

El Paso was once a more progressive city than San Antonio. Things can improve if the city can find and elect the leadership needed. But how long have we been saying that just on this board? Imaging throughout the city. How many people have that same sentiment yet...

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

This would be awesome but I'm not sure there's an appetite in El Paso to make this happen. The Foster and Hunt families have to think they've given more than their share by now. There's got to be other millionaire families that can also donate to make things happen in the city.

City and UTEP leadership have their names and numbers. I wish they would come together and collaborate. Work something out. And it doesn't have to be a joint solution. Just talk. Eventually they can figure out what is better done by the city, what is better done by the university, and what can be done together.

El Paso was once a more progressive city than San Antonio. Things can improve if the city can find and elect the leadership needed. But how long have we been saying that just on this board? Imaging throughout the city. How many people have that same sentiment yet...

I would love for the City to build a concert venue like the Dickies Arena in Ft Worth, 13k for basketball and 14k for concerts. Even if it means they demolish the Colosseum, that place sucks. And what annoys me is El Paso is in a great spot along the I-10 corridor. There’s no reason to think tours shouldn’t stop here along their way.

But also I’d like to see a newer, smaller concert venue to entice smaller acts to come to El Paso. I saw STP at the Arizona Financial theatre in Phoenix last year and it was nice. It was a 5k seat venue, two levels, and a nice small footprint. The Abraham Chavez theatre sucks.

 

[KaneFan29]

I would love for the City to build a concert venue like the Dickies Arena in Ft Worth, 13k for basketball and 14k for concerts. Even if it means they demolish the Colosseum, that place sucks. And what annoys me is El Paso is in a great spot along the I-10 corridor. There’s no reason to think tours shouldn’t stop here along their way.

But also I’d like to see a newer, smaller concert venue to entice smaller acts to come to El Paso. I saw STP at the Arizona Financial theatre in Phoenix last year and it was nice. It was a 5k seat venue, two levels, and a nice small footprint. The Abraham Chavez theatre sucks.

We have that outdoor thing in the NE buddy! It will be built one of these days….

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

We have that outdoor thing in the NE buddy! It will be built one of these days….

Buckle up boys!!!

 

[utep1966]

We have that outdoor thing in the NE buddy! It will be built one of these days….

Always complaining. It's not good for your health.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

Always complaining. It's not good for your health.

The land transfer has been delayed and construction hasn’t started pushing the start day back from its original August 2024 date. Given the city’s propensity for bumbling deals I’m a little apprehensive. An article said the venue was going to host 40+ events a year, which is great. But people will have to get out of their El Paso mindset and get outside.

 

[utep1966]

The land transfer has been delayed and construction hasn’t started pushing the start day back from its original August 2024 date. Given the city’s propensity for bumbling deals I’m a little apprehensive. An article said the venue was going to host 40+ events a year, which is great. But people will have to get out of their El Paso mindset and get outside.

I know that, but there is no point complaining. The people always complaining are never the people who will buy tickets. They just like to hear themselves complaining.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

I know that, but there is no point complaining. The people always complaining are never the people who will buy tickets. They just like to hear themselves complaining.

But you know what? The Chihuahuas and Locomotive have really good support throughout the season. They have a nice stadium that offers a fun experience. So a new venue offering what will be a nice, modern experience might do very well. I’m not particularly thrilled with the fact that the venue is outdoors. I remember some of those Diablo games were awful when the wind was blowing down the side of the mountain.

Going back to the Sun Bowl, product aside that’s something that UTEP has never gotten right. The tailgating restrictions (albeit self inflicted), the outdated stadium and the lack of amenities really hurt.

 

[KaneFan29]

But you know what? The Chihuahuas and Locomotive have really good support throughout the season. They have a nice stadium that offers a fun experience. So a new venue offering what will be a nice, modern experience might do very well. I’m not particularly thrilled with the fact that the venue is outdoors. I remember some of those Diablo games were awful when the wind was blowing down the side of the mountain.

Going back to the Sun Bowl, product aside that’s something that UTEP has never gotten right. The tailgating restrictions (albeit self inflicted), the outdated stadium and the lack of amenities really hurt.

Haven’t been to a Loco game recently I take it?

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

Haven’t been to a Loco game recently I take it?

I’ve been to a couple. It’s garbage soccer but I didn’t mind it. The crowds weren’t bad. Better than they should be for second division US soccer. If I had to pick, I’d attend a Bravos game.

 

[utep1966]

But you know what? The Chihuahuas and Locomotive have really good support throughout the season. They have a nice stadium that offers a fun experience. So a new venue offering what will be a nice, modern experience might do very well. I’m not particularly thrilled with the fact that the venue is outdoors. I remember some of those Diablo games were awful when the wind was blowing down the side of the mountain.

Going back to the Sun Bowl, product aside that’s something that UTEP has never gotten right. The tailgating restrictions (albeit self inflicted), the outdated stadium and the lack of amenities really hurt.

I'm not sure what your point is? The venue is going to be built. I just don't understand all the complaining.

What tailgating restrictions?

 

[Dmanminer]

The land transfer has been delayed and construction hasn’t started pushing the start day back from its original August 2024 date. Given the city’s propensity for bumbling deals I’m a little apprehensive. An article said the venue was going to host 40+ events a year, which is great. But people will have to get out of their El Paso mindset and get outside.

El Paso will go for anything new. The test is will it be the “cool” thing in year three or four.

 

[KaneFan29]

I’ve been to a couple. It’s garbage soccer but I didn’t mind it. The crowds weren’t bad. Better than they should be for second division US soccer. If I had to pick, I’d attend a Bravos game.

The crowds are bad now. Locomotive and FC Juarez are two dumpster fires right now. No coincidence they have the same owners.

 

[utep1966]

El Paso will go for anything new. The test is will it be the “cool” thing in year three or four.

It will be. El Paso loves concerts. It will be very successful.

 

[KaneFan29]

El Paso will go for anything new. The test is will it be the “cool” thing in year three or four.

Let’s see it actually get built first and see what acts the book there.

 

[utep1966]

The crowds are bad now. Locomotive and FC Juarez are two dumpster fires right now. No coincidence they have the same owners.

As usual, you have no clue what you're talking about. The Locomotive averaged 5,763 (top 10 in league attendance).

USL Championship - Attendance figures (Detailed view)

This statistic shows in detail the attendance of the USL Championship of the 2024 season. Clubs are listed by overall attendance descending.

www.transfermarkt.us

 

[utep1966]

Let’s see it actually get built first and see what acts the book there.

It's getting built. You will never buy tickets. All you like doing is complaining.

 

[UTEPMiners8106]

The crowds are bad now. Locomotive and FC Juarez are two dumpster fires right now. No coincidence they have the same owners.

Juarez does suck, but it’s a fun atmosphere. Plus you can watch some good teams.