Don Haskins Center, arena in Texas, United States
The Don Haskins Center is a large arena in El Paso, Texas, designed primarily for basketball games and other events. The venue holds about 12,000 spectators on fixed seats arranged close to the shiny hardwood court, and features modern scoreboards and video screens for real-time game information.
The arena was built in 1976 and opened in 1977, originally called the Special Events Center until renamed in 1998 after legendary UTEP basketball coach Don Haskins. Coach Haskins gained historical prominence by starting five African-American players during the 1966 NCAA Championship game, a groundbreaking moment in sports history.
The Don Haskins Center serves as a gathering place for El Paso residents, named after a coach whose legacy shaped local basketball culture. Game days bring the community together, with fans displaying team spirit and shared pride in UTEP's athletic tradition.
Visitors should arrive early on event days to find parking nearby and secure good seats. The arena is easily accessible from Interstate 10, and tickets should be kept handy at entrance points since re-entry is not permitted.
UTEP basketball teams have achieved impressive winning streaks at this venue, including a 25-game home winning run from 1987 to 1989. These extended home series demonstrate how much the location favors the teams and how important the crowd support is for their success.
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