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Sun Bowl Stadium Guide

Sun Bowl · El Paso, TX

UTEP
|Stadium|Pregame
🏟
The Venue
The Sun Bowl is one of college football's most iconic settings, nestled into the Franklin Mountains on the western edge of the UTEP campus.
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Size & Scale
Originally opened in 1963 and seating roughly 51,500, the stadium has hosted the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game for decades.
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Getting In
The natural bowl carved into the mountainside provides a dramatic backdrop unlike any other venue in college football.
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What to Expect
Visiting fans are treated to stunning desert sunsets over the Rio Grande Valley and views stretching into Ciudad Juárez, Mexico — a truly one-of-a-kind gameday panorama that makes the trip to El Paso worthwhile.
PRO TIP
Arrive early to soak in the sunset over the Franklin Mountains — the pregame golden hour views from the upper deck are spectacular.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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Frequently Asked Questions — Stadium Guide

What is the bag policy at Sun Bowl?

Sun Bowl follows standard college football bag policies. Clear bags up to 12"×6"×12" are permitted. Small clutch purses (4.5"×6.5" or smaller) are allowed. No backpacks, camera bags, or non-clear bags.

What time do gates open at Sun Bowl?

Gates at Sun Bowl typically open 2–3 hours before kickoff for regular season games. For rivalry and marquee games, arrive early — crowds build fast and entry lines can be long.

Is Sun Bowl an alcohol-free venue?

Alcohol policies vary by program. Many major college stadiums now sell beer and wine in designated areas or throughout the concourse. Check the school's official athletics page for the current policy.

What are the parking options at Sun Bowl?

Parking near Sun Bowl includes both on-campus lots (sold via the athletics department) and off-campus garages and surface lots. SpotHero offers pre-bookable spots near the stadium — reserve early for big games.