Whispers that the University of Texas at El Paso might be eyeing control of the El Paso County Coliseum have the nonprofit that runs the building demanding answers from county leaders. The El Paso Sports Commission says promoters have been quietly telling staff that management of the Coliseum could shift to UTEP - a move commission staff warn could unravel years of relationship-building, event development, and local contracts.
What officials heard at commissioners' court
During a quarterly briefing to El Paso County commissioners, Tony Rodriguez, director of communications and events for the El Paso Sports Commission, said a promoter recently told him, "You guys are being taken over by UTEP, so you're not gonna be funded," leaving staff feeling "blindsided." According to KFOX14/CBS4, county officials responded that they were not aware of any handoff, and the outlet reported that UTEP is working on a request for proposals tied to the Coliseum that has not yet been released.
How the Coliseum is run now
The County Coliseum has been operated under contract by the El Paso Sports Commission since 2003, and the nonprofit pitches the venue to concert promoters, tournament organizers, and community groups, according to the El Paso Sports Commission. In the commission’s own materials, the Coliseum is described as a home base for concerts, rodeos, hockey, youth tournaments, and other events that help fill hotel rooms and pump money into local businesses.
County master plan and price tag
County capital planning documents list a "Revitalize Coliseum" master plan as a possible quality-of-life bond project, with a total estimated cost of $104,728,320. That figure covers a new event center, a festival plaza, expanded parking and other major upgrades. The capital project file presents the Coliseum as a countywide asset and breaks out construction and soft costs for a sweeping overhaul.
Commission reaction and what is at stake
Rodriguez told commissioners the takeover talk felt "like a punch in the gut" and said the Sports Commission had not expected to hear such rumors. The commission also told the court it would throw its hat in the ring if UTEP or any other group submits a formal proposal, according to KFOX14/CBS4. For local nonprofits, sports clubs, and promoters, a change in operator could reshape sponsorship deals, scheduling priorities, and how event dollars are funneled back into the community.
Legal and procurement note
El Paso County’s solicitation and purchasing rules stress open public requests for proposals, ethics training, and a ban on private communications with vendors during active procurements. Those safeguards are meant to keep competition fair if the county or a third party seeks bids tied to the Coliseum. The requirements are laid out in the county’s purchasing files and would guide any formal bid or purchase RFP that moves ahead.
County leaders say the issue will come back for more discussion at upcoming meetings, and UTEP did not respond to requests for comment before the initial report was published. Residents and event organizers who rely on the Coliseum will be watching the county agenda and any official procurement documents to see who might end up running the venue next.
