EL PASO, Texas – For the first time in school history, the UTEP men's basketball team is taking its talents south of the border. The Miners will hold an open practice in Ciudad Juárez, on the campus of UACJ (Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez), on Saturday, Oct. 5.
 
The open practice will take place at 5:30 pm at Gimnasio Universitario UACJ, a 4,347-seat arena.
 
"We are so excited to take our team to Juárez and capture the attention of a fanbase that hasn't always had access to Miner Basketball," UTEP head coach Joe Golding said. "Last year, we crossed the border and took our team to a FIBA World Cup qualifying game that matched the Mexico and Colombia national teams. We couldn't believe the atmosphere and the passion the crowd displayed not only for the participants, but for our UTEP team sitting in the stands. We expect a similar reception this time around, and we can't wait to bring Miner Ball their way!"
 
"For UACJ, it is very meaningful to host the UTEP men's basketball team and enjoy their competitive level of play," UACJ President Juan Camargo said. "It is our priority to promote sports in the community, and this event at the Gimnasio Universitario also serves to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two universities. We look forward to seeing families from Juárez and El Paso on Saturday, October 5, at 5:30 at the Gimnasio Universitario, located at Ignacio Mejia and Montes de Oca."
 
"This is an important next step in our continuing efforts to strengthen the relationships between our teams, coaches and student-athletes and our friends in Juárez," UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. "Over the last couple of years, we have taken a group of head coaches to Juárez, as well as our men's basketball and softball teams and, most recently, our football program sent a contingent to participate in community service activities. We have also welcomed the fine people of UACJ to our beautiful campus. We look forward to continued opportunities for engagement in the very near future."     
 
"We are excited about the growth of our partnership with the esteemed institutions in Ciudad Juárez and Chihuahua over the past few years," UTEP Assistant Vice President for International Relations Arturo Barrio said. "We are deeply grateful to UACJ and Rector Juan Camargo for their continued support and for facilitating valuable opportunities for our student-athletes to engage with our neighbors across the border. These opportunities will continue to strengthen the bonds between our communities and provide enriching experiences for our region."
 
The Miners posted 18 wins last season, making a spectacular run to the championship game of the Conference USA Tournament. All eight returning scholarship players are in the fold for the 2024-25 campaign, including three starters.  UTEP men's basketball season tickets are on sale now by visiting www.UTEPMiners.com or by calling (915) 747-UTEP. 
  
Help support UTEP student-athletes by making a gift to the Miner Athletic Club. Visit givingto.utep.edu/mac today!
 
For complete coverage of UTEP men's basketball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @UTEPMBB (Twitter), @utepmbb (Instagram) and on Facebook @UTEPMensBasketball  or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at www.UTEPMiners.com