EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The University of Texas at El Paso has released a comprehensive set of guidelines outlining what guests can bring, parking availability, and new venue policies ahead of upcoming large-scale events at the Sun Bowl and surrounding campus facilities.
The updated rules focus heavily on safety, crowd management, and accessibility, with clear instructions on permitted and prohibited items as well as changes to parking procedures.
Clear Bag Policy and Entry Rules
UTEP officials emphasized a strict, clear bag policy for all attendees. Guests are allowed to bring clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”, as well as one-gallon clear freezer bags. Small clutch bags approximately the size of a hand are also permitted.
Medical bags will be allowed following inspection and approval by security personnel. However, all other types of bags — including backpacks, purses, mesh bags, and tinted plastic bags — are prohibited.
Clear bag policy (credit: UTEP)
Water Bottle Restrictions
In an effort to streamline entry and maintain safety, UTEP will allow reusable plastic water bottles and one sealed standard plastic water bottle per person. However, metal bottles and tumblers are not permitted inside the venue.
Officials noted that prohibited items may be confiscated, and guests could be denied entry or escorted out if they fail to comply.
Water bottle guide (credit: UTEP)
List of Prohibited Items
The university outlined an extensive list of banned items, including:
Weapons, firearms, and fireworksAlcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco productsE-cigarettesGlass and metal bottlesProfessional cameras, drones, and recording equipmentLarge signs, flags, and polesCoolers, lawn chairs, and step stoolsOutside food and beverages (with limited medical exceptions)
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Items deemed dangerous or inappropriate by staff will also not be allowed.
To reduce waste, UTEP will provide donation bins at select gates, where guests can leave prohibited items to be collected by a local charity.
Prohibited items (credit: UTEP)
Permitted Items
Allowed items include small personal belongings such as:
Blankets and small handheld fansPortable phone chargersBaby food in plastic containersService animalsSmall cameras without detachable lensesEvent merchandise purchased on-site
Permitted items (credit: UTEP)
Parking Changes and Warnings
Parking for events will be sold on the day of the event only and on a first-come, first-served basis. University officials warned attendees to be cautious of scams, noting that any parking passes purchased ahead of time will not be honored.
Guests will be able to pay at lot entrances using credit cards.
UTEP also announced a partnership with the Goldmine Collective, which will manage parking operations for select events while supporting Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes.
Event parking (credit: UTEP)
ADA Parking and Transportation
Accessible parking will be available for purchase at designated lots, including:
Glory Road lots (GR1, GR3, GR4)Sun Bowl Lot 5 (SB5)Sun Bowl Garage (top floor only)Vehicles must display valid ADA placards or license plates.Additionally, paratransit services will be offered, with pickup and drop-off located south of Glory Road 2 near Memorial Gym
ADA Parking Map (credit: UTEP)
Campus Access and RestrictionsUTEP noted that the inner campus will maintain regular business hours during event days. However, parking in certain areas will be restricted to university permit holders during peak times:Fridays: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.Weekends: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
University officials stressed that all policies are subject to change and encouraged attendees to review guidelines before arriving.
Major upcoming concerts at the Sun Bowl are the BTS and Post Malone concert in May, and then Usher and Chris Brown in October.
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