UTEP Magoffin Auditorium

Our show was lovely. Our experience with the theater not so much. Let's start at the initial arrival.As you enter the campus, signs point to parking for the theatre. The signs specifically say "Magoffin Parking". So we parked where one of the signs pointed. The trek between the parking structure and the entrance is ridiculous. Plus once you start off toward what you think is the theater, there are no additional signs or arrows or assistance. There was a group of about 10 of us wandering around aimlessly for what seemed like an eternity.Once you get to the door, there's no structure for entering. People just gather at the doors and argue with the ticket takers because they won't let you in with a purse. It has to be a clear bag. We were told, very rudely, that the tickets said "no bags". I was holding my ticket. And it did not say that. Everyone else was there with a purse and upset as well. That many people could not have overlooked that on the tickets....because it wasn't on there.My wife, who carries a large bag, is a heart patient and was told she needed to return her bag to the car as they do not hold on to stuff they have banned. I had to make the loooooong dash back to the car and again to the door quickly because we were already running late due to the confusion of parking.Inside the building you are packed into a way too small lobby. Getting a drink was impossible because of the mass of people. Just getting to the auditorium door to go to our seats felt like a mosh pit. By the time we sat down, we already were wishing we had just stayed home

If I could have put a No Star or negative rating I would for the atmosphere and UTEP's clear bag policy that was never mentioned on the ticket master website. I should have read the previous review from 5 years ago but honestly I would have thought changes would have been made since then. Everything appears to be the same as it was when the auditorium was built back in 19??. The blue and grey color scheme made it dreary and depressing not to mention outdated. When we arrived at the front entrance after a brisk walk, I was told I couldn't bring in my purse but was welcome to remove the contents and leave the bag in an unsecured "bin". Authentic Louis Vuitton... I think not. So we walked back to our car to secure my purse and returned once again to the auditorium. The wait wasn't long but once we passed thru the doors it was crowded due to the "beer and wine line" and the sad concession area serving popcorn and nachos. I applaud the El Paso Ballet for attempting to bring the Christmas spirit back especially during the past 2 year COVID shutdown however the quality of the performance reminded me of a high school play - no offense - Again, I applaud them for their attempt. In addition the lighting and sound system playing all the music "pre-recorded" could use an update as well. I'm almost positive everyone in attendance was related to one or more of the performers whether they be "mice or men". UTEP surely could do a better job in combining their orchestra, the ballet and using a different venue to provide a higher quality performance for those of looking for a more memorable experience.If you're looking for a "cute event for kids" this might be for you BUT if you're looking for a mature couples outing/romantic night out .... this is not it.