The El Paso County Commissioners Court meeting discussed “The Sun Bowl Uplift” project as a part of their agenda in mid-July. In May, UTEP announced their proposal to upgrade the Sun Bowl, which would cost approximately $99 million, and be paid from the county through bonds. If approved, the stadium would receive renovations to allow more A-list performers to come to El Paso and create over 600 job opportunities, bringing in more revenue.
Although “The Sun Bowl Uplift” is predicted to bring much revenue for the city, county officials said they are hesitant to approve the project.
While County Judge Ricardo Samaniego mostly approves, the city’s three other commissioners are against it.
“I think (people) know more or less that I am supportive of this project,” Samaniego said. “A few months ago, Dr. (Heather) Wilson came to my office and explained that they had lost opportunities with concerts because they don’t have the facility to accommodate, especially (with) going in and breaking down the concert and leaving quickly, they are limited because right now the entrance (to the Sun Bowl) is very narrow.”
Commissioners said a big issue that surrounds support of the project is that El Paso County does not own the Sun Bowl Stadium. Commissioner David Stout said some of the topics discussed include how other universities get these projects funded by private partners/funders, not the county. Additionally, if approved, there are limits to how many days the county can use the venue, as well as how much money they can profit from it.
“Though I understand the need to make these renovations to the Sun Bowl, I don’t think it can be done with county money,” Stout said. “I couldn’t put local taxpayers on the line for something that I think could easily be paid for by the state or through private paying (funders).”
So far, according to the commissioners, the project is not highly supported by the public.
“The Sun Bowl Uplift” is not among the county bond committee recommendations for the November ballot, which would propose a $295 million bond to help city projects, that El Pasoans can vote on.
Right now, it is unclear whether the Sun Bowl will see any renovations in the near future.
Sofia Sierra is the web and copy editor and may be reached at [email protected].
