EL PASO, Texas – UTEP football is set to showcase a unique look during their upcoming game against Oklahoma this Friday at Memorial Stadium, as they will don their white jerseys featuring not one, but two jersey patch sponsors. This announcement marks a significant development for the Miners, highlighting their innovative approach to partnerships in collegiate athletics.
On August 31, UTEP Athletics confirmed the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) as their latest jersey patch partner. This collaboration positions UTEP as the first school in the Mountain West Conference to feature two jersey patches for its football program. The new IBEW patch will be prominently displayed on the left side of the jersey, directly opposite the existing GECU patch.
In a landscape where most collegiate football programs are aligning with corporate sponsors, UTEP's choice to partner with a labor union is particularly noteworthy. Jim Senter, UTEP's Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce this partnership with IBEW. Their members have been powering our country for over a century, boosting our infrastructure and economy. We’re excited to have them on board and helping to power our football team!”
Dave Leno, Treasurer of IBEW Local 583, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the partnership for both the organization and the local community. He remarked, “IBEW Local 583 is proud to partner with UTEP Athletics and become a UTEP Football jersey patch sponsor. This partnership gives our organization an opportunity to stand alongside the Miners while connecting our members, families, and the greater El Paso community with a program that means so much to this region. We are proud to support UTEP, proud to support El Paso, and proud to be part of the Miner family.”
The IBEW represents a substantial membership base of approximately 901,000 active members and retirees across various sectors, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, and government. This partnership not only enhances UTEP's visibility but also strengthens ties between the university and the local workforce.
As the Miners prepare for their game against Oklahoma, the addition of IBEW as a jersey patch sponsor reflects UTEP's commitment to fostering community relationships while also navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics sponsorships. This initiative could pave the way for other programs to explore similar partnerships that prioritize local connections over traditional corporate sponsorships.
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