Mining Minds: Special Lighting Celebrates Minerpalooza
Last Updated on August 30, 2017 at 12:00 AM
Originally published August 30, 2017
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, Sept. 1, 2017, to celebrate Minerpalooza at The University of Texas at El Paso.
Minerpalooza is a back-to-school tradition open to the entire El Paso community that also kicks off the football season. The evening includes live music, carnival activities and food vendors. Visitors can relax in the beer and wine garden, take snapshots with Paydirt Pete, and purchase Minerpalooza gear. At Pete’s Playground, a dedicated children’s area, families can enjoy activities like face painting, playing on inflatables, magic shows and more. The evening’s entertainment will include headliner We the Kings, Jenny and the Mexicats, and Prime 80’Z.
UTEP’s athletic teams and coaches will be standing by to meet fans and launch the night’s events with a pep rally at 7 p.m. with the UTEP Cheerleaders, Golddiggers, and mascot Paydirt Pete.
Learn more at www.minerpalooza.com.
“Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. At night, orange lights illuminate the steel structure while light from LEDs emanate from the perforated “ones” and “zeroes” at each end of the pick.
On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at miningminds.utep.edu.