El Paso entertainment venues fall short in funding compared to similar cities

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Music venues in the Borderland are underfunded compared to similar markets, according to a study commissioned by the El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

The study — conducted by national venue consulting firm CAA Iconic — found that the University of Texas El Paso’s Don Haskins Center, built in 1977, and the El Paso County Coliseum, built in 1942, are outdated, highlighting the need to invest in new venues around the community.

The study also noted that since 1990, El Paso only only spent around $102 million on its entertainment value, with $78 million going solely to the construction of Southwest University Park.

These numbers place El Paso at 33 out of 35 when compared to similar markets — half of which were smaller than El Paso and half larger — with others averaging around $350 million in spending.

The Chamber mentioned that El Paso’s unique proximity to Juarez and Southern New Mexico means it “profiles similarly to larger markets.”

The study is particularly relevant right now, as voters are set to decide the fate of a $160 million quality-of-life bond in the next election.

In a statement, the Chamber said, “While El Paso prides itself on its unique identity, understanding our current status and how we measure up to other communities is essential for driving productive discussions and strategic planning.”

Moving forward, the El Paso Chamber is looking to form a “strategic Facilities Commission” consisting of community leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors.

To view the study, click here.

To view the presentation, click here.

To view a condensed version of the study, click here.

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