EL PASO, Texas – The University of Texas at El Paso is inviting fans to celebrate a historic milestone while cheering on the Miners’ first Mountain West campaigns. Single‑game tickets for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams are now available, and the university is marking the 50th anniversary of the Don Haskins Center, known as GECU Arena.
Anniversary games and ticket pricing
The arena, which opened its doors on February 3, 1977, will host two special anniversary matchups. The women’s 50th‑anniversary game is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, against UNLV, while the men’s celebration game will be played on Saturday, January 30, versus San José State. Both contests will feature throwback ticket pricing and appearances by former Miner greats, giving longtime supporters a chance to relive the program’s storied past.
Season schedule highlights
The 2026‑27 season brings a refreshed slate of rivalries. In Mountain West play, the Miners will face Air Force, Hawai’i, Nevada, New Mexico, San José State, UNLV and Wyoming. Non‑conference highlights include an I‑10 rivalry game against New Mexico State on Tuesday, November 10 for the women’s team and Thursday, November 12 for the men’s team.
The women’s home opener is set for Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m., when the Miners welcome Western New Mexico. The men’s home opener follows on Sunday, November 8, at 5 p.m., against the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW).
Ticket options
Ticket buyers can choose from single‑game or group purchases by contacting the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at (915) 747‑UTEP or visiting the official site UTEPMiners.com/Tickets. Men’s basketball will be offered in three pricing tiers—Premium, Base and Value—based on opponent, day of the week and tip‑off time. Regardless of tier, the lowest price remains $9.15 for every game.
Women’s basketball tickets will be priced consistently across the season, ranging from $8.00 to $25.00, ensuring affordable options for families and students.
Team previews
Men’s basketball: Head coach Joe Golding has assembled a completely revamped 15‑man roster. The squad boasts unprecedented size, with every player standing at least 6‑3 and five players listed at 6‑10 or taller—a first in program history. The backcourt features proven talent from high‑major, mid‑major and international backgrounds, complemented by highly touted high‑school recruits.
Women’s basketball: The women’s team also enters its inaugural Mountain West season with a refreshed 13‑player roster. Three returners join ten newcomers, including 2026 Conference USA Sixth Player of the Year Mary Moses Amaniyo. The incoming transfer class adds an All‑CUSA Honorable Mention selection, two NJCAA All‑Americans and several junior‑college standouts. International representation is strong, with eight players hailing from five countries outside the United States.
Community impact
Beyond the excitement on the court, the ticket sales and anniversary events provide a boost to local businesses and families. Affordable pricing encourages attendance from students, veterans and longtime supporters, reinforcing the Miners’ role as a unifying force in the El Paso community.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as the anniversary games are expected to draw large crowds eager to honor half a century of basketball history at the Don Haskins Center.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
