EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The UTEP men's basketball team is going international. The Miners will head south of the border where they will hold an open practice in Ciudad Juárez. The practice will take place on the campus of Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ), on October 5. UTEP will also host a free clinic for children sixth grade and under at 4:30 p.m., followed by the open practice at 5:30 p.m. Both events will take place at Gimnasio Universitario UACJ, a 4,347-seat arena. “We are so excited to take our team to Juárez and capture the attention of a fanbase that hasn’t always had access to Miner Basketball,” said UTEP head coach Joe Golding. “Last year, we crossed the border and took our team to a FIBA World Cup qualifying game that matched the Mexico and Colombia national teams. We couldn’t believe the atmosphere and the passion the crowd displayed not only for the participants, but for our UTEP team sitting in the stands. We expect a similar reception this time around, and we can’t wait to bring Miner Ball their way.” This will be the first time in school history the Miner men will take the floor in Juárez. “For UACJ, it is very meaningful to host the UTEP men’s basketball team and enjoy their competitive level of play,” said UACJ President Juan Camargo. “It is our priority to promote sports in the community, and this event at the Gimnasio Universitario also serves to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two universities. We look forward to seeing families from Juárez and El Paso on Saturday, October 5, at 5:30 at the Gimnasio Universitario, located at Ignacio Mejia and Montes de Oca.” UTEP has made it a priority — in all sports — to further connect with fans across the border. The open practice will give those fans an opportunity to watch the Miners up close and personal, especially with some of their youngest fans in Juárez. “This is an important next step in our continuing efforts to strengthen the relationships between our teams, coaches and student-athletes and our friends in Juárez,” said UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter. “Over the last couple of years, we have taken a group of head coaches to Juárez, as well as our men’s basketball and softball teams and, most recently, our football program sent a contingent to participate in community service activities. We have also welcomed the fine people of UACJ to our beautiful campus. We look forward to continued opportunities for engagement in the very near future.” UTEP started practicing on Monday and will tip-off their 2024-25 season on November 4 against Sul Ross State at the Don Haskins Center. The Miners are coming off an 18-win season, including an improbable run to the championship game of the Conference USA Tournament. Golding returns eight scholarship players, including three starters from last year's squad.