Known for their pop-rap hits “I’m a Freak,” and “I Like It,” Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias will be making their way into the Don Haskins Center for a two-night event on Jan. 27 and 28.
This will be the second time the duo has performed at the Don Haskins Center since last performing in October 2011. The concerts will be kicking off the 2015 portion of their tour, which is scheduled to continue throughout the year.
Enrique Iglesias is currently on his “Love and Sex” tour, which began in early 2014. Pitbull will tour with him throughout most of North America.
Both have performed multiple times in El Paso and the surrounding area. Their past concerts focused on their overall musical career, but according to Jorge Vasquez, executive director for UTEP Special Events, these concerts will put more emphasis on their newer songs.
Pitbull is using the tour to promote his new album “Globalization,” which was released Nov. 24, 2014. Enrique Iglesias will also be promoting his album “Sex and Love,” which is famous for the single “Bailando.”
The concert is expected to bring in a large number of students. Fans from all sorts of backgrounds and age groups are expected to attend the concert.
“We are expecting a cross-generational audience in a concert filled with all the music hits that make Enrique and Pitbull the international stars they are,” Vasquez said.
While the turnout is expected to be high, some students said they do not plan on going.
“I enjoy his music, but wouldn’t spend the money to go see him,” said Rosario Garcia, senior accounting major.
Although Garcia is not attending the concert, she appreciates the fact that El Paso has some big-time stars coming to perform.
“I think it is showing El Paso as a city going through an evolution. Before, we used to get nobody,” Garcia said.
Ashley Rios, junior forensics major, also believes this concert is positive for El Paso’s music industry.
“We were barely getting recognized, but having big-time stars like them is putting us on the map. Now other musicians will know we exist,” Rios said.
Rios, who is not attending the concert, said if she got the chance she would go.
“Tickets are too expensive, but if I had free tickets, I would go and hear Pitbull sing,” Rios said.
Tickets are on sale and range from $30 to $145 on Ticketmaster, depending on seating of the concert.
“The concert on Jan. 27 still has great seats available, but the concert on the 28th is sold out,” Vasquez said.
Parking will be available for free in the parking lots surrounding the Don Haskins Center and throughout the parking lots on campus. There is also parking available in the Sun Metro Bus Terminal Parking Garage for $10.
“We ask that people come in early, the doors will open an hour before,” Vasquez said.
The concert will be the first concert of the year at the Don Haskins Center and Vasquez said it is a great way to kick off 2015.
“The show is not to be missed,” Vasquez said.
For more information, contact UTEP Special Events at 915-747-5481. Tickets may also be purchased at utepspecialevents.com/tickets.
Julia Hettiger may be reached at [email protected].
