There are movies you watch at the theater, movies you watch from your couch… and then there’s watching Glory Road right on the UTEP campus.
That’s exactly what El Pasoans will get to do as UTEP brings the beloved movie back for a special Movies on the Lawn screening.
And this isn’t just any random movie night. Glory Road is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the legendary Texas Western championship team is celebrating its 60th, AND you’ll be watching the movie right where so much of this story took place.
I don’t think you can get much better than that for fans!
Watch Glory Road Under the Stars at UTEP
UTEP will show Glory Road at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, at Centennial Plaza as part of Movies on the Lawn.
The outdoor setting makes this one especially cool because you’re not just watching a movie about UTEP history- you’re watching it at UTEP!
The 2006 Disney movie stars Josh Lucas as legendary Texas Western basketball coach Don Haskins and tells the story of the team’s historic run to the 1966 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
This year marks the movie’s 20th anniversary, giving El Paso a pretty perfect excuse to watch it all over again.
Glory Road Was Actually Filmed at UTEP
I think the coolest thing about this movie is that UTEP became part of the movie itself.
When the film was being made, portions were filmed right here on campus, bringing Hollywood to the same university whose basketball history inspired the movie in the first place.
For El Pasoans, Glory Road has always felt like more than just another sports movie. For me, Don Haskins is pretty much the reason I’m aware basketball exists.
My basketball knowledge may be limited, but even I know how important this story is to El Paso!
There’s also a fun cameo from the Bear himself; coach Haskins!
El Paso Celebrates 60 Years Since Texas Western Made History
Of course, the real reason Glory Road means so much around here happened long before Hollywood came calling.
On March 19, 1966, Texas Western College- now UTEP- defeated top-ranked Kentucky 72-65 to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
Coach Haskins made history that night by starting five Black players in the championship game. Texas Western’s victory became a landmark moment in college basketball and helped break down racial barriers in the sport.
Sixty years later, that championship remains one of the biggest points of pride in El Paso sports history.
Now THAT is a movie night worthy of Miner pride.
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