The El Paso City Council recently passed amendments progressing the development of the much-discussed Sunset Amphitheater, a move set to redefine the Cohen area as a dynamic entertainment hub. According to the City of El Paso, these modifications enhance the partnership terms with Venu Holding Corporation, formerly Notes Live, by increasing the minimum private investment to a significant $100 million and extending the development site to 20 acres to allow for more comprehensive design possibilities.
Moreover, the revised agreement integrates an "El Paso First" clause to put a priority on local hiring, in hopes of boosting the city's economy. Still, the package doesn't involve property tax revenue, a detail that holds weight for taxpayers keeping a close eye on fiscal responsibility. Instead, the support comes in the form of a $31.5 million incentive package, hinging on performance-based conditions like tax rebates and waived fees. City Representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo, in a statement obtained by the City of El Paso, expressed her pride in leading the amendment efforts and emphasized the potential this marks for the Northeast community.
City Manager Dionne Mack pointed to the project as a testament to El Paso's commitment to enhancing quality of life. "This project is about delivering the quality of life our residents deserve," Mack said, as per City of El Paso, noting the collaboration with a top-tier developer. With plans to open in 2026, the Sunset Amphitheater is poised to host a minimum of 40 shows annually and aims to generate a projected $5.4 billion in economic impact over the years. This is seen as a promising push to revitalize the Cohen Entertainment District and create a sustainable number of jobs.
