Minerpalooza Ready to Mine Through its 34th Year
Signature event moves to the heart of the UTEP campus
EL PASO, Texas (Sept. 4, 2024) – Minerpalooza, The University of Texas at El Paso’s biggest annual celebration, will return on Sept. 6 from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to bring the Miner Welcome festivities to a close.
This year the event will take place in Centennial Plaza. Admission is free and open to the public.
“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, Ph.D., 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."
As in previous years, the 34th annual Minerpalooza will feature a fun and eclectic assortment of activities. Showcasing different styles of live music, UTEP’s Battle of the Bands will reach its conclusion. Pete’s playground, a dedicated kids’ area, will also make a return, and for adults over the age of 21, a beer and wine garden will be available for purchasing beverages.
Minerpalooza is also one of the main fundraising events each year for student organizations at UTEP. Tickets for games and activities can be purchased at designated areas. The proceeds contribute to UTEP student groups’ annual initiatives. Ticketed activities range from 1-5 tickets for each play. All purchases are final and will only be available through cash or credit.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes:
Feline Fox, a three-man rock band comprised of lead singer Anthony Brown, drummer Chris Serrano, and guitarist Abraham Marinelarena, is looking to put on another timeless gig in the Sun City.
Jezzika Sax y Los Amores Prohibidos is fronted by multi-genre saxophone artist Jessica Flores, a part-time fitness advocate and full-time passionate performer. She has played at both private and public venues across many states, bringing her unique blend of talents to Tucson, Houston, Dallas, Savannah, Georgia, Ruidoso, and now returning to her hometown of El Paso.
DJ Raul Facio’s unique mixes stem from an early passion he discovered at 15 years old. He has performed at Lost and Found, City Room and Set Times, and warmed up for top international dance music acts such as DJ Lee Burridge and Deadmau5.
DJ Technotics, a visionary artist from El Paso, known by day as Jorge Dominguez, does what he does best by night: turning up the beat. He has performed at venues around the city, with Elmont Resort being a major highlight.
The following bands will also go head-to-head in the Battle of the Bands competition: Vampira, Saving Bandit, and Beach Cowboys. Make sure to stay until the very end to see who is crowned the winner this year.
For more information on food and beverage options, parking, activities and lineup set times, visit utep.edu/minerpalooza or contact the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at 915-747-5670.
Parking
Free guest parking is located in 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.
See more map info here.
Clear Bag Policy
Minerpalooza has a clear bag policy. Learn more about what visitors can and cannot bring here.
Special Lightings
To commemorate this special event, the “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture, located at UTEP’s University Ave. roundabout, will be lit blue and orange on Friday Sept. 6. Installed in 2010, “Mining Minds” is illuminated blue and orange to celebrate special days, accomplishments and more. Learn more about the artist and the sculpture at utep.edu/miningminds/
The “M” on the mountain across from Sun Bowl Stadium will also be lit in recognition of this annual tradition.
About The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 24,000 students are Hispanic, and more than half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
Last Updated on September 05, 2024 at 12:00 AM | Originally published September 05, 2024
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
