Getting There
El Paso International Airport (ELP) is located approximately 7 miles northeast of downtown El Paso, and the drive to downtown or the UTEP campus takes roughly 10 minutes by car or rideshare. Uber and Lyft both operate at ELP and are the most practical option for visiting sports fans. Sun Metro bus Route 33 connects the airport to downtown for a $1.50 fare, with daily service though hours are limited and some holiday schedules apply, making rideshare the safer bet around game days.
Getting Around
El Paso is a sprawling, car-friendly city and renting a vehicle or using Uber/Lyft is strongly recommended for sports visitors, as Sun Metro bus coverage is limited in frequency and many routes run on reduced Sunday/holiday schedules. The El Paso Streetcar runs a 4.8-mile two-loop route connecting downtown to the UTEP campus area, which is useful if you are staying downtown and heading to the Sun Bowl. Parking is widely available throughout the city and traffic is generally manageable, so driving is a low-stress option on game days.
Where to Stay
Downtown El Paso is the best base for visiting sports fans, offering walkable access to the El Paso Streetcar line to UTEP and a solid concentration of bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game activity, with hotel rates typically ranging from $90 to $160 per night. The UTEP/Kern Place neighborhood on the west side puts you closest to the Sun Bowl and is ideal if you want to walk to the game, with several budget-friendly chain hotels in the $80 to $130 range. Avoid booking far east of downtown near Cielo Vista Mall, as that area adds unnecessary transit time to the UTEP campus. Book early for the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game in late December, as that event draws out-of-town fans and drives up hotel prices across the city.
Sports Fan Notes
El Paso is a passionate college football town where UTEP Miners games at the Sun Bowl carry real civic pride, and the proximity to the US-Mexico border gives the fan base a unique binational flavor you will not find at most FBS programs. The annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl bowl game each December brings two Power conference programs to town and is one of the oldest bowl games in college football, making it a bucket-list event for traveling fans. Beyond the Sun Bowl, El Paso also hosts the El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship soccer) at Southwest University Park downtown, giving visitors a chance to catch a second sport on a multi-day trip. The city sits on the border with Ciudad Juarez, and many visiting fans make a day trip across the border for food and atmosphere, adding a cross-cultural dimension that makes an El Paso sports trip genuinely memorable.
Venues in El Paso
Don Haskins Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ELP to downtown El Paso?
The fastest and most practical option is a rideshare (Uber or Lyft), which takes about 10 minutes and costs roughly $12 to $20. Sun Metro Route 50 runs from the airport to the Downtown Transit Center for $1.50, but the trip takes 40 to 45 minutes and buses do not run on Sundays or major holidays. Rental cars are available outside baggage claim if you plan to drive yourself for the duration of your trip.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in El Paso for a sports trip?
Downtown El Paso is the top pick for most visiting fans. You get easy access to the El Paso Streetcar, which connects directly to the UTEP campus area near the Sun Bowl, plus the best concentration of bars, restaurants, and walkable nightlife for before and after the game. If budget is the priority and you are attending a UTEP game specifically, the Kern Place and Upper Valley area just west of campus puts you within walking distance of the stadium.
Which sports teams play in El Paso?
El Paso's main sports team for traveling fans is the UTEP Miners (NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Conference USA), who play home games at the Sun Bowl on the UTEP campus. The city also hosts El Paso Locomotive FC in USL Championship soccer at Southwest University Park downtown, offering a second live sports option for multi-day visitors.
Is El Paso a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, El Paso is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest official host city is Dallas, Texas (AT&T Stadium in Arlington), which is approximately 600 miles east of El Paso.
Sports cities near El Paso
Close enough to pair with a El Paso trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.