Fort Bliss Backs Out Of Soccer Complex Project

by Bob Harp

EL PASO — Officials at Fort Bliss have decided to pull out of a deal with the city of El Paso to create a major new soccer complex that was expected to draw thousands of tourists.

City officials say the plug was pulled on the 20-field complex meant for national soccer tournaments.

“In my opinion, it would be ideal if we could get at least one great new complex,” said Jesse Olivares, a soccer coach and dad. He believes the death of the plan will only keep the city of El Paso behind the game. “We need to get something. The existing fields are in horrible condition.”

Back in 2003, Fort Bliss agreed to let the city use 80 acres of it’s land near Biggs Army Air Field to create the complex. The city would spend close to five million dollars — raised from the 2000 “Quality of Life” bond issues — to build the complex.

City officials say the complex would be convenient for the quality of life because it is located off Walter Jones, a main public street in the Northeast. The land had already been cleared for the soccer fields.

El Paso Mayor John Cook said Fort Bliss will need the land in anticipation of 7,000 new troops being transferred to the base in the next couple of years. “They are looking at how to accommodate them and at housing requirements,” said Cook.

Cook said the city plans to use the money set aside for the project to build a 10-field complex in the Northeast and another on the West Side.

Olivares said two locations would make it tougher for families during a tournament. “Families that come in from out of town will have to go from one side of the town to the other.”

Cook said he would like to see the fields ready to go in about two years. However — City Council will have to review the 2000 bond issue to make sure the city can use the money for that project.