Fireworks, Flyover, Giveaways among UTEP Plans for Army Game

Fans holding tickets to Saturday's historic matchup between the UTEP Miners and Army are being encouraged to get there early enough to be in their seats for the special pregame show honoring our nation's military, which is scheduled to begin at 4:40 p.m.

University officials are also stressing the 5:05 p.m. kickoff time, noting that it's an hour earlier than the typical start time.

Plans for UTEP's "Once City, One Team" celebration include a helicopter flyover during the national anthem and a fireworks show after the game. Tributes and salutes will take before, during, and after the game.

Pregame show: Performances by the UTEP and Fort Bliss (1AD) bands, an American flag draping the entire Sun Bowl field, an Apache Helicopter flyover and a Parachute Jump Team delivering the game ball. The unified coin toss will include representatives from Fort Bliss, El Paso, UTEP and West Point. Two Fort Bliss Wounded Warriors will carry the "Miner Pick" and lead the team onto the field.

Giveaways: Upon entrance to the stadium, all ticketed fans will receive either a red, white or blue rally towel depending on what section they are sitting in. In addition, the first 20,000 fans will receive commemorative military ID tags.

Halftime: The halftime show will feature performances by the UTEP and Fort Bliss (1AD) bands and the USO Show Troop, as well as an enlistment ceremony. The Fort Bliss Soldier of the Year will also be honored.

Postgame: Fans will be allowed on the field to watch a spectacular fireworks show.