After a year of fans virtually supporting UTEP’s basketball teams, the upcoming 2021-2022 season will soon return, and fans are excited to attend games and support both teams. 

“I’m glad we will now be able to attend games again because the environment is vibrant and different,” said UTEP student Jorge Marin. 

UTEP men’s basketball team begin their season 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, with a home game against Western New Mexico. Fans can take advantage of the “Golding Ticket” special for the home opener game to celebrate the start of Joe Golding as the new head coach of the men’s basketball team. 

All tickets from the navy and green sections will be $5 only while supplies last. Students can call 747-UTEP or visit www.utepminers.com/tickets to purchase their tickets. 

“From day one, we’ve talked about getting butts in the seats and back in the Don Haskins Center,” said Head Coach Joe Golding in a press release. “We want that place to be packed. It used to be one of the toughest places to play in the country. We have to do our job by putting a good product on the floor.” 

UTEP women’s basketball season starts at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11., against the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) at the UTEP’s Don Haskins Center. 

The women’s team will also play an exhibition game with St. Mary’s Sunday, Nov. 7, at the Don Haskins Center before the season starts. 

“I love basketball, and this is my first semester at school. So, I think I will attend a basketball game to support UTEP,” said UTEP student Michelle Chavez. 

UTEP’s athletic teams have gotten a good start, and as fans prepare to fill UTEP’s Sun Bowl Stadium for the upcoming home game on Saturday, Nov. 6, both UTEP’s basketball teams hope fans go and support them and fill the Don Haskins Center as well. 

“As we are nearing the first tip-off of the season, ticket sales are the most important way to support our team,” said Kevin Baker, women’s basketball head coach, in a press release. “Buying a ticket, wearing orange, and being loud are always the best way to contribute to the success of our basketball program. We need our fans in the stands. We will put a very exciting team on the floor, and they will be fun to watch. This is going to be another great season.” 

Six UTEP men’s basketball games have been selected to be broadcast nationally or streamed through well-known outlets like CBS Sports Network and ESPN+.  Four out of the six games will be played at the Don Haskins Center. 

Fans can buy season tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets. Depending on the game, prices start at $8 for women’s basketball and $10 for men’s basketball. 

According to UTEP Athletics, UTEP students and active military members can use their ID to purchase tickets with discounts. UTEP students can also purchase an additional guest ticket at the same price, and military members can purchase up to four tickets at a discount. 

“I can’t thank our fans enough for your investment in buying tickets for this upcoming season,” Golding said in a press release. “The fans have an important role as we continue our goal of getting this program back competing for championships. It’s time to bring the passion and energy back to The Don. Go Miners!” 

Victoria Rivas is the Arts and Culture Editor and may be reached at [email protected]; @VicRivas_18 on Twitter.