30th Annual Minerpalooza Goes Virtual
Last Updated on September 02, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published September 02, 2020
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
This year, Minerpalooza is going completely virtual. The 30th anniversary of The University of Texas at El Paso’s biggest annual celebration will kick off at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.
“We’re excited to add first-of-its-kind elements to the newly designed Minerpalooza,” said Nicole Aguilar, event organizer and director for UTEP’s Student Engagement and Leadership Center. “We’re creating a completely virtual event to ensure that we can celebrate a new school year in a safe environment. We can’t wait to launch this event in a way the UTEP community has never experienced it!
This year’s virtual celebration will be presented in two parts. Viewers can go online to catch the first hour of the celebration at www.minerpalooza.com. This portion will feature UTEP President Heather Wilson, UTEP Cheer and Dance teams, the UTEP Marching Miners, Paydirt Pete, student organizations, and alumni. It will also include appearances from UTEP Athletics Director Jim Senter, head football coach Dana Dimel, head men’s basketball coach Rodney Terry, and head women's basketball coach Kevin Baker.
The second half of the celebration will feature an exclusive virtual performance by country music artist Jon Pardi that will air at 9 p.m. on the El Paso-Las Cruces CW, the local affiliate of the CW Network (Channel 7.2).
“This year, we are excited that country star Jon Pardi will headline the 30-year celebration of Minerpalooza,” said Jorge Vazquez, executive director of UTEP’s Office of Special Events. “His music will resonate throughout El Paso, and everyone is welcome to dance and sing along! We invite the El Paso community to celebrate with us as we take this party right to your home.”
Pardi’s platinum-certified album “California Sunrise” (Capitol Records Nashville) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, earning him CMA New Artist of the Year and ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year honors in 2017. Pardi dominated the top of the country music charts with consecutive No. 1 hits including two-time platinum-selling songs “Dirt on My Boots” and “Head Over Boots,” and platinum-certified “Heartache on the Dance Floor.” Most recently, “Night Shift” hit Billboard’s Top 10 Airplay charts and “She Ain’t In It” landed in the top 25.
Viewers will also get to know UTEP's Registered Student Organizations, who typically host activity booths to raise funds for their annual goals.
Minerpalooza is traditionally one of the biggest fundraising and marketing opportunities for UTEP’s registered student organizations. This year, more than 200 registered student organizations seek support with fundraising efforts that will provide them with the resources they need to continue to succeed in a virtual setting.
The creation of the Student Organization Advancement Fund will help continue to support the advancement of student leaders and student organizations. Organizers hope community members will consider making a gift to support the integral role that student leaders and registered student organizations play at UTEP and in our community.
Donate at https://pickaproject.utep.edu/minerpalooza.
The “Mining Minds” pickaxe sculpture at UTEP’s University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Friday evening, Sept. 4, to celebrate Minerpalooza. “Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange. Learn more about the statue and its artist at miningminds.utep.edu.
What: 30th annual Minerpalooza
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020
Where: www.minerpalooza.com
