UTEP to allow fans to attend upcoming men's basketball games vs. Rice
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A limited number of fans will be permitted in the Don Haskins Center for this weekend’s University of Texas at El Paso men’s basketball games versus Rice. The Miners will host the Owls on Friday and Saturday, with both matchups beginning at 7 p.m.
"We're excited to welcome fans back to the Haskins Center as we tip off the home portion of our Conference USA schedule against a long-time Texas rival," UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. "Remember, Miners Take Care of Miners. Don't come to the game if you're feeling sick, and be sure to follow all the CDC recommended guidelines -- social distance, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask. At the same time, we will do everything possible to provide a safe environment for our fans to enjoy the games."
Capacity for this weekend's games is expected to be between 7-10% and follows Conference USA COVID-19 guidelines.
As announced previously, the 2020-21 men’s basketball season is sold out through season tickets and no additional single game tickets are available for purchase.
All tickets and parking passes for the 2020-21 season will be managed digitally and can be accessed by visiting UTEPMiners.com/Tickets.
Season ticket holders who have questions about their tickets or parking passes should call the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747-UTEP or email tickets@utep.edu.
As a reminder, all seats are reserved and fans must remain in their assigned seats.
Friday's game will be streamed on C-USA TV, accessible via www.utepminers.com.
Saturday's game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Both games can be heard on the Miners' radio flagship, 600 ESPN El Paso. Both games are presented by Las Palmas.
Fans are asked to follow CDC guidelines and UTEP protocols, which include:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Wear a face covering
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash immediately after use
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the restroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
UTEP students, faculty and staff who plan to attend the game are encouraged to take advantage of UTEP's proactive testing program and obtain a negative result before coming to the venue. For more information, visit https://www.utep.edu/resuming-campus-operations/testing/.
Parking lots will open two hours prior to tipoff. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to tipoff to assist with fan entry and social distancing.
All fans should enter the arena through the upper concourse; the tunnel entrance is not open to the general public. Fans will be social distanced and will get their temperature taken before entering the venue. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more will be asked to leave. Fans should wear face masks when queuing in line and throughout their time in the Haskins Center, except when eating or drinking.
A clear bag policy is in place and will be enforced. For more information, visit www.utepminers.com/clearbagpolicy.
Once inside the arena, fans are expected to continue practicing social distancing, whether seated or traversing the arena. No aisle seats have been sold to provide additional distancing between fans, especially for the purpose of movement. Restrooms will have limited capacities, and queuing will be observed at all restrooms and concession stands. Sanitization stations will be available throughout the arena. Water fountains will not be available this season, but fans can bring one sealed water bottle into the facility.
Arena security and ushers will monitor the stands and other fan areas to ensure fans remain in the seats they purchased and abide by all arena rules and regulations.
For a full list of UTEP Basketball COVID-19 protocols, visit www.utepminers.com/bbfanprotocols.
Fan attendance for future UTEP men’s and women’s basketball games will be determined on a week-to-week basis.