A one-of-a-kind Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching band competition is coming to Sun Bowl Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2.
Teams from across the South will perform rhythmically and visually interesting performances most often seen on national TV during college football halftime shows. Making the trip to El Paso are Alcorn State University from Lorman, Mississippi; Mississippi Valley State University from Itta Bena, Mississippi; and Prairie View A&M University from Prairie View, Texas.
The visiting marching bands have participated in high-profile events including Mardi Gras parades, Super Bowls and Dallas Cowboy halftime shows. Their showmanship evokes a festive atmosphere and wows giant crowds.
“Three years of planning have been invested into bringing this event to the El Paso area that not only offers entertainment, but a much needed educational aspect,” said event founder and promoter Johnny Rivers of Sports X. “Diversity is the mission statement of each university traveling to the area and we hope that our local high school drum lines will come out and participate in the competition before the show.”
Las Cruces- and El Paso-area high school drum lines are invited to compete for the Battle Of El Dorado Drum Line Championship before the event during the iHeart Radio Tailgate Party in parking lot P9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Each drum line will receive four free tickets for competing and the winner will be announced during the show.
General admission tickets are $30 plus applicable fees and taxes; student and military tickets will receive a $10 discount and tickets for kids under the age of 12 are $15. Tickets are available at UTEP and all Ticketmaster location including www.ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000.
For more information on the Battle Of El Dorado, call Kelly Hess Goldman at 773-677-7165 or kellygoldman@thunderbirdentertainment.com, or visit www.facebook.com/battleofeldoradoep.