For the first time since before World War II, the iconic Sun Bowl will not take place in El Paso.

The Sun Bowl will be cancelled for the first time since its inception due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic in the El Paso area, according to multiple sources. The news was first reported by Brett McMurphy, and an official announcement is expected on Tuesday.

The iconic Sun Bowl has been played for 86 straight years, dating back to when high schools El Paso and Ranger played in front of 3,000 fans on New Year’s Day 1935. One year later, Hardin-Simons and New Mexico A&M became the first collegiate Sun Bowl and the rest is history. 

The Sun Bowl was the second-longest continuously played football game in college football history. Only the Rose Bowl can top the Sun Bowl’s history. Arizona State beat Florida State 20-14 in the most recent game. 

The 87th iteration of the game was set to take place on Dec. 31, 2020, between ACC and Pac-12 opponents on CBS. Instead, the Sun Bowl becomes the ninth bowl game officially scratched from the schedule. 

The decision comes as El Paso continues to face major issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county continues to face nearly 700 new positive cases every single day and surrounding counties are seeing escalating numbers. 

UTEP football has been the unfortunate victim of the situation. The Miners have kept numbers low in the program, but multiple games have been postponed or cancelled as opponents have been reluctant to play games in El Paso. The Miners have not played a game at the Sun Bowl since a 17-13 win over Abilene Christian on Sept. 19.