Shaded Seats at Southwest University Park

What You Need to Know About Shade at Southwest University Park

Located in the heart of downtown El Paso, Southwest University Park is the home of the El Paso Chihuahuas (Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres) and El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship).

Opened in 2014, the stadium is famous for its unique architecture that incorporates the city’s historic buildings into its design. It features a 360-degree concourse, several unique social spaces like the Big Dog House and a stunning view of the downtown skyline.

How Shade Actually Works Here

With the field facing Northeast, the sun is well-positioned behind the first base side during the early afternoon. As the game moves into the late afternoon and evening, the sun moves behind the third base grandstand.

This shift makes the third base line the most comfortable place to sit, as the stadium’s own height begins to block the sun’s lower angles, cooling the seats well before the final out.

The Third Base Side is Best for Shade

To guarantee a comfortable, squint-free experience, prioritizing the third base line is your best tactic.

• Sections 109 – 116 Upper Rows
• Sections 117 – 121 Upper Rows
• Section 211 – 213
• Section 201 – 206

• Sections 109 – 116: These rows offer the most reliable relief from the sun for the duration of the game. Look for tickets in the upper rows to get shade from the stadium structure. Sections 111 – 114 are behind home plate.

• Sections 117 – 121: These seats in the upper rows on the third base side will stay in the shade throughout the game.

• Sections 211 – 213 and 201 – 206: These upper-level sections have the canopies directly above them, which should protect you from the sun during the afternoon.

Late Afternoon and Evening Games

During late afternoon games, the shade line moves steadily from the third base concourse down toward the dugout. By 6:00 PM, the majority of the third base seating is fully protected.

For evening games, the stadium becomes incredibly temperate. Once the sun dips behind the grandstand, the heat of the day dissipates, and the park’s downtown location provides a safe and lively atmosphere for fans to enjoy the surrounding nightlife after the game.