Sun Bowl Stadium

Sun Bowl Stadium is a football facility on the University of Texas at El Paso campus with seating for around 51,500 spectators. The structure sits in the Texas desert at approximately 1,194 meters elevation, right alongside the Mexican border.

The stadium opened on September 21, 1963, when Texas Western faced North Texas State in its inaugural game. A major renovation in 2020 brought new press facilities, luxury boxes, and improved spectator areas to the venue.

The annual Sun Bowl Parade happens every Thanksgiving morning, bringing thousands of residents together for a traditional community gathering. This event has shaped life in El Paso for decades and shows how important this place is to local identity.

The stadium sits on a high desert plateau where weather can shift quickly and sun exposure is intense. Visitors should bring plenty of water, sun protection, and clothing suitable for temperature swings.

In February 2016, the stadium hosted a simulcast of a Mass led by Pope Francis during his visit to Ciudad Juárez across the border. This exceptional event turned the venue into a gathering place for a cross-border religious moment.

Location: El Paso

Official opening: September 21, 1963

Capacity: 51500

Elevation above the sea: 1,194 m

Address: University of Texas at El Paso, 2701 Sun Bowl Dr, El Paso, TX 79902

GPS coordinates: 31.77300,-106.50800

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:25