ABOUT THE TEAM
Team Ownership - MountainStar Sports Group, LLC.
Founded in 2012 by Woody Hunt, Paul Foster, Josh Hunt and Alejandra De La Vega Foster, MountainStar Sports Group, LLC (MSSG) is dedicated to initiatives that promote economic development and enhance the quality of life throughout the Borderplex region.
MSSG’s main focus has been on the acquisition, development, and operation of professional sports and entertainment opportunities for El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Currently, MSSG owns and operates the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball, and El Paso Locomotive FC, an expansion soccer club of the United Soccer League. MountainStar Sports Group is also a co-owner of FC Juaréz (Los Bravos) of Mexico’s Liga MX.
MSSG worked for more than two years to bring professional Triple-A Baseball to the El Paso community. Minor League Baseball and the Pacific Coast League approved MountainStar’s acquisition of Tucson Padres in October 2012.
In 2012, the El Paso citizens approved $500 million in “Quality of Life” bonds, including the building of a state-of-the-art Ballpark nestled in the heart of downtown. Southwest University Park was designed by Populous, which also designed Major League stadiums like PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres and Yankee Stadium.
ABOUT THE BALLPARK
· $78 million State-of-the-Art Facility
· Located in the center of downtown
· 24 Luxury Suites, including Party Suites
· Two event buildings
· WestStar Club
· Exclusive Club Seating
· State of the art LED & HD Videoboard
· Fixed seats and GECU Green Seats (lawn seating)
· The Hospitals Providence Childen’s Hospital Chico’s Playground
· Professional Sports Catering
El Paso is one of only 30 Triple-A cities in the nation, and is one of three in Texas to have a Triple-A team. Round Rock, near Austin, is home to the Express, and Sugar Land, near Houston is home of the Skeeters.
El Paso hired Populous, a world-renowned sports architectural firm, to design the downtown ballpark.
As El Paso works to revitalize its downtown into a vibrant locale where people will want to live, work, shop and play, the overall vision is to introduce a ballpark that serves as a downtown landmark. It will naturally promote opportunity for future growth of surrounding mixed-use tenants, while creating a sense of place for downtown El Paso.
Nestled in the heart of downtown El Paso, Southwest University Park offers a unique setting for any event! Whether it is an office party in the WestStar Club, a reception in the Sun Kings Saloon or a concert in the outfield, Southwest University Park is the perfect venue!
Named Baseballparks.com Ballpark of the Year for 2014, and best new ballpark by Ballpark Digest, Southwest University Park offers majestic views of the Franklin Mountains and Downtown El Paso Skyline. The Ballpark is situated on a little more than five acres of land.
Southwest University Park incorporates El Paso’s rich history with its unique design. The red brick exterior resembles the nearby Union Depot and includes a box car-like façade and archways along the concourse.
Two buildings, the Santa Fe Pavilion and Big Dog House, adorn right field with hospitality areas for parties and individuals alike. The City Hall Grill, a tribute to what once stood on the site of the ballpark, and Sun Kings Saloon, a tribute to El Paso’s baseball past, make up the Big Dog House while the open air floors of the Santa Fe Pavilion offer 360 degree views of the Ballpark and the city.
Southwest University Park meets all structural and service requirements as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ADA GUEST SERVICES
The following services are available to accommodate the needs of our ADA guests:
ADA Parking
Parking for ADA Guests are available at the Franklin/Durango Parking Lot (by parking pass or invite only), the Mills Building, the Union Pacific Transit Terminal, and at Destination El Paso (El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau). Parking fees and spaces are dependent on the parking lot location.
ADA Seating
Wheelchair and companion seating is offered on every level and specific sections of the ballpark as follows:
· Section 103: 3 wheelchair spaces
· Section 105: 2 wheelchair spaces
· Section 111: 4 wheelchair spaces
· Section 114: 4 wheelchair spaces
· Section 204: 3 wheelchair spaces
· Section 211: 1 wheelchair spaces
· Section 212: 2 wheelchair spaces
· Dugout Club: 1 wheelchair space
· Budweiser Bullpen: 2 wheelchair spaces
ADA seats may be purchased at our Ticket Offices or by contacting Ticket Personnel at (915) 533-BASE.
Drop-Off
Drop off location for ADA guests:
Durango St. & West Franklin Ave.
General Public drop off locations:
Main St. & Santa Fe St.
San Antonio Ave. between Durango St. & Santa Fe St.
Elevator
ADA guests who require the use of an elevator have access to the public elevator, which can be accessed on the concourse level, behind home plate, next to the Durango Gates. Guests must have ticket or credential access to other levels in order to reach certain areas.
Entrance
All stadium facilities will comply with the American with Disabilities Act. ADA accessible entrances are located on the west side of the ballpark on Durango Street and on the east side of the ballpark on Santa Fe Street.
Durango Street: The ADA Entrance will be the Clock Tower located next to the Durango Box Office. The elevator for use to all levels of the ballpark is located inside.
Santa Fe Street: There are two (2) ADA entrances at both Franklin and Santa Fe Gates, which are on either side of the Big Dog House located in right field. The Elevators can be accessed to the left, past the stairs leading to the main concourse, and down the tunnel.
Wheelchairs
There will be wheelchairs available each game and match for transportation to/from their seat. Contact the Guest Services Center, who will place the request with ProAction, our First Aid responders.
ADDRESS, EMAIL & PHONE
1 Ballpark Plaza
El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 533-BASE | (915) 242-2000
info@epchihuahuas.com
AFFILIATION
The El Paso Chihuahuas are the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.
ALCOHOL
Texas law prohibits fans from bringing alcohol into or out of the ballpark. Southwest University Park guests are encouraged to drink responsibly. By law, guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol. Proper identification is required to purchase any alcoholic beverage. Minors 17 years of age and younger are not allowed to sit at any bar and must be accompanied by an adult to be in the bar areas. No guest will be served or have in their possession more than two alcoholic beverages. Ballpark management reserves the right to reduce the purchase limit and discontinue sales at any time. Guests are not permitted to enter the ballpark if they appear intoxicated. Drunk and disorderly behavior or violation of any alcohol policy will result in ejection from the ballpark without refund. Beer sales are discontinued after the bottom half of the 7th inning on the main concourses. Liquor sales in the Big Dog House and WestStar Club conclude at the end of the game.
ANIMALS
With the exception of trained service animals as defined under Titles II and III of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), no animals are permitted within Southwest University Park. Service animals must be under the effective control of the handler at all times and all vaccinations for rabies and other common diseases must be up to date.
ATM
The ATM is located for the guests’ convenience on Concourse Level/Behind home plate/In between the Men’s and Women’s Restrooms (Section 108).
AUTOGRAPHS
Guests may seek autographs from the time the gates open until the umpire plate meeting, approximately 10 minutes prior to the first pitch. Players are not permitted to sign autographs during the game. Guests may not climb or lean on top of dugouts, bullpens, field gates, or the net behind the dugouts and home plate. Guests seeking autographs from a seat location other than their own, may be asked to proceed to their designated seating location.
BAG SEARCH
All guest bags are subject to search upon entry. Southwest University Park has adopted a Clear Bag or No Bag policy. It is strongly recommended that all guests consider no bags or clear bags to assist with the health and safety of all patrons and staff. Approved standard (non-clear bags) are limited to small clutch purses or similar, and must be smaller than 6.5 x 4.5. All other types (including, but not limited to diaper bags, backpacks, purses, fanny packs, and small bags) must be clear and may be no larger than 12 x 6 x 12. For more on the Clear Bag or No Bag Policy CLICK HERE.
Umbrellas are also permitted so long as they are less than four feet in diameter and do not obstruct the view of other guests. Strollers and fold-up wagons are permitted in the ballpark. Please note, neither are permitted on the grass portions of the GECU Green Seats. Fold-up strollers and fold-up wagons should be stored under seats, and/or out of walkways, and cannot be stored on the concourse. Strollers and fold-up wagons may not obstruct stairs or walkways inside the ballpark. Southwest University Park does not have storage for strollers or fold-up wagons, nor are we responsible for either left unattended.
Prohibited items will not be permitted inside the ballpark. Any prohibited item(s) must be removed or consumed before entry will be permitted. Prohibited items include any food or beverage not purchased in the ballpark. Exceptions include: items necessary for health reasons, and one sealed or empty non-glass water bottle per guest for water fountain refills. If a guest has special dietary needs, they must receive proper approval before bringing in items. All bags are subject to inspection prior to admittance. Approved items will be labeled with an “Approved Dietary Needs” sticker valid for that game date from a designated bag attendant at each gate.
Southwest University Park will be utilizing walk-through metal detectors upon guest entry for all Chihuahuas home games. Other events affected will be announced.
Prohibited items include: coolers, baskets, lawn chairs, stadium seats, sticks, offensive, political or other non-event related banners or signs, inappropriate clothing, laser pointers, pressurized air horns, vuvuzelas, whistles, cans, glass bottles, projectiles that can cause injury or disruption of the game or event, confetti, beach balls or other inflatable objects, fireworks, firearms or other weapons, squirt guns, frisbees, bicycles, in-line skates, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards (balance boards), unauthorized drones, knives, guns, drugs, and outside food and drink (exceptions include one sealed water bottle per guest or dietary needs approved items).
As stated, firearms are not permitted at Southwest University Park. This includes persons who hold a License to Carry (either a Concealed Carry or Open Carry license); per Section 30.06 and 30.07 of the Texas Penal Code, respectively.
BALLS LEAVING FIELD OF PLAY
Guests may keep any balls hit or thrown into the stands. Batted and thrown balls can be dangerous, so always stay alert. Guests should not interfere with the game in progress and be respectful of other guests. At no time should a baseball be thrown back on the field. Exceptions include throwing back home run balls hit by visiting team, a baseball tradition. Guests who fail to adhere to these rules face immediate ejection from the ballpark and will be subject to arrest and prosecution.
BANNERS & SIGNS
Banners and signs are permitted provided they are baseball-related, in good taste and not of a political or commercial nature. Banners and signs may not exceed three feet in height, obstruct the view of other guests or ballpark signage or be temporarily or permanently affixed to the building structure. Banners may be carried through the stands between innings only. The El Paso Chihuahuas reserve the right to remove any banner or sign.
BATTING PRACTICE
Southwest University Park is closed to the general public during batting practice or before gates open.
BEVERAGES, BOTTLES & CONTAINERS
No bottles (glass or otherwise), cans, food, beverages or containers may be brought into the ballpark, with the exception of items necessary for health reasons and one (1) sealed non-glass water bottle or cup per guest. Food and beverage are available for purchase through our concession stands throughout the game.
BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY MESSAGES
Videoboard announcements are shown on the video board around the 4th inning. To request a video board announcement, please contact Ruben Armendariz at rarmendariz@epchihuahuas.com or (915) 242-2015. There is a $100 donation to the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation for all announcements. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before a game and messages require a maximum of 48 characters. Requests received on gameday may not be honored. A request is not a guarantee of an announcement.
Information required:
Name
Email
Phone
Exact, verbatim message, complete with spellings of names (maximum of 48 characters)
Messages subject to approval by management.
Please note that messages will not be announced over the PA system. It will be displayed on the videoboard. Proceeds from messages go directly to the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation for its community initiatives.
BROADCASTS
All El Paso Chihuahuas regular and post-season playoff games will be broadcast on 600 ESPN El Paso. The Chihuahuas’ play-by-play broadcaster Tim Hagerty is in his 18th season in Minor League Baseball and will call the games on the flagship station. All game broadcasts will be streamed on epchihuahuas.com, MiLB.tv, krod.com, and on the radioPup and TuneIn mobile apps.
DESIGNATED DRIVER
El Paso Chihuahuas management asks if guests are drinking at the ballpark, that they not drive. Guests should bring a designated driver or find other means of transportation to get themselves home. If a taxi is needed for an inebriated guest, please visit the Guest Services Center so arrangements can be made.
DONATION REQUESTS
The Chihuahuas are committed to assisting non-profit organizations in their fundraising efforts. To be considered for a donation, submit a request via www.epchihuahuas.com under the “Community” tab.
DRINKING FOUNTAINS
Drinking fountains are located at the following locations:
· Concourse/Section 122/ in front of Women’s Restroom
· Concourse/Section 115/In front of Women’s Restroom
· Concourse/Section 110/in front of Women’s Restroom
· Club/Section 211/Women’s Restroom
· Club/Behind home plate, Suite Area/Between Restrooms
ELEVATOR ACCESS
Certain ballpark elevators are available to guests with proper credentials or tickets and to ADA guests with appropriate access to alternate levels of the ballpark. These elevators will transport guests to the field, concourse, club, and press levels. Guests may access elevators behind home plate or in the Big Dog House.
EMERGENCY CARE
SEE FIRST AID
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A list of full-time opportunities can be found at on TeamworkOnline.com. Seasonal employment opportunities are available beginning in February.
EXIT/RE-ENTRY
There are no exit & re-entry privileges. Once a guest exits the ballpark, that ticket will not be valid for re-entry.
ICE CHESTS AND COOLERS
SEE FOOD AND BEVERAGE
MARRIAGE PROPOSALS
To request a marriage proposal, please call Andy Imfeld (915) 242-2043. There is a $500 fee for all proposals. Requests must be submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to requested date. Requests received on gameday may not be honored. A request is not a guarantee. Proceeds go directly to the El Paso Chihuahuas Foundation for its community initiatives.
MASCOT
Chico is out of his kennel and ready to play! CLICK HERE for more information!
MASKS
Facial coverings will no longer be required at all events for ticketed guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Facial coverings are still recommended for guests who are not vaccinated.
MERCHANDISE
SEE TEAM SHOP
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Guests interested in performing the National Anthem at a Chihuahuas game should upload an audition video to YouTube and submit the link to info@epchihuahuas.com. The anthem must be memorized, sung a cappella and sung under 90 seconds.
NEWSLETTER
Guests interested in receiving more information about the El Paso Chihuahuas may sign up for our newsletter by CLICKING HERE or by sending their email address to info@epchihuahuas.com. They can also visit our website (epchihuahuas.com), “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@epchihuahuas).
NURSING STATION
Southwest University Park supports a mother’s right to nurse or express milk in any location in which the mother’s presence is otherwise authorized to be. Should a mother prefer a private space, a designated Nursing Room is available on the upper third base concourse by section 214. For any concerns, guests may visit the Guest Services Center or speak to a member of Management.
TEAM SHOP LOCATIONS
The Chihuahuas Team Shop is located at the main entrance to the ballpark on the corner of Durango St. and Franklin Ave.
Team Shop Hours:
Non-Gamedays
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Gamedays
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; reopening when gates open and closes approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of game.
TICKETS
Ticket office hours are as follows:
Non-Gamedays
Durango Box Office: Closed
Santa Fe Box Office: Closed
For assistance with tickets, please call 915-522-BASE (2273), text 915-666-2005, or email tickets@epchihuahuas.com.
Gamedays
Durango and Santa Fe Box Offices:
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – end of game
Saturday & Sunday: 2 p.m. – end of game
Buying Tickets
In person: Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Southwest University Park Box Office located on the corner of Durango St. & Franklin Avenue and Santa Fe St. (see hours of operation above). All tickets purchased at the Southwest University Park box offices will be delivered digitally. This includes tickets purchased prior to one hour before the start of an event at the ballpark.
By phone: Tickets can be purchased by calling (915) 533-BASE (2273).
By internet: Tickets can be purchased online at www.epchihuahuas.com (limit 10 per purchase per event). All tickets ae subject to online processing fees.
All individual game ticket sales are final and are not subject to refund or exchange.
To guarantee all purchased tickets are valid at entry, purchase tickets at www.epchihuahuas.com, or through a Chihuahuas ticket attendant by calling (915) 533-BASE. Complimentary Tickets are not subject to the normal exchange policy for postponed games. Guests with questions should contact the Southwest University Park Box Office for further assistance.
Season Seat Memberships are currently available for purchase by calling or texting (915) 533-BASE. Inquiries may also be made via tickets@epchihuahuas.com.
WEAPONS
Weapons of any kind are not permitted in Southwest University Park, with the exception of on-duty law enforcement officers. As stated, firearms are not permitted at Southwest University Park. This includes persons who hold a License to Carry (either a Concealed Carry or Open Carry license); per Section 30.06 and 30.07 of the Texas Penal Code, respectively.
WIFI
Guests at Southwest University Park will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi during games and events. Network ID is “Chihuahuas”. No password is needed. Guests will be directed to a Splash Page (agreement page) before they are able to use the network.
WILL CALL
Guests may pick up Will Call tickets at any ballpark ticket window during posted office hours. Photo ID is required to pick up tickets at Will Call. Tickets will only be released to the individual who purchased the tickets. Will Call orders may be picked up during Box Office operating hours any time after the order has been processed.