New Era, New Pete: UTEP Athletics Bringing Paydirt into the 21st Century
EL PASO, TEXAS (July 1, 2026) – As The University of Texas at El Paso enters a new era in the Mountain West Conference on July 1, the University is also unveiling a bold new look for its iconic mascot, Paydirt Pete.
Paydirt Pete has evolved over the years, with the most recent iteration launching in 1999. New Pete has been modernized, while harkening back to the popular “retro” logo that epitomized the Miners in their ‘80s heyday.
“We wanted to give Paydirt Pete a fresh look while not straying too far from the vintage mark that our fans love,” UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said.
Apparel featuring the new Paydirt Pete is available online here and is beginning to make its way into the UTEP Bookstore. Plush and bobblehead versions of Pete are in the works and are expected to be available by fall 2026.
UTEP is partnering with adidas, Blue84, Collect Bobbleheads, L2 Brands, LogoBrands, Mascot Factory, Peter Millar, Something Inked, WinCraft and many more vendors on new Pete-branded merchandise.
“Once again UTEP Athletics aims high and delivers a new collection for the ultimate UTEP fan,” UTEP Campus Store Manager Xochitl Meyer said. “We are honored to be a part of this new era for UTEP Athletics.”
The UTEP Bookstore will also have a pop-up event featuring new Pete merchandise on Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Leech Grove on campus.
A mascot version of the new Pete will be unveiled at UTEP football games beginning in September.
“Paydirt Pete is at the heart of game-day energy, and it's so exciting to have a new Pete joining us as part of the entertainment experience our fans love," said Bianca Marquez, director of UTEP Spirit Operations. "Our Cheer and Dance teams can't wait to perform alongside him and keep building that spirit in support of Miner Athletics."
Last Updated on July 01, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published July 01, 2026
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
