Populous-Designed Southwest University Park Brings Record Crowds to Downtown El Paso

Southwest University Park, home of the El Paso Chihuahuas, has attracted record crowds to downtown after opening in April. As the El Paso Times highlights, the new 9,500 seat ballpark has attracted “more fans to games this summer than any other El Paso sports team has in an entire season,” and there are still 26 games left. The team has sold out 32 of its 42 games, with more than 345,000 total fans attending.

The ballpark, designed by Populous, is on the tightest site in Minor League Baseball. Its design captures El Paso’s culture, drawing influence from the city’s prominent architectural style as seen in the use of brick and structural steel, as well as the heavy influence of public art. Since opening, the ballpark has attracted national attention, including rave reviews from ballpark expert Joe Mock who notes that the ballpark is “a masterpiece,” “an artistic triumph” and a “thing of beauty.”