Swap downtown arena for an outdoor stadium, sports broadcaster says

“Replace the downtown arena with an outdoor multipurpose facility:” an idea El Paso sports broadcaster Steve Kaplowitz called a “no-brainer” in an op-ed piece.

ABC-7’s news partners at 600 ESPN El Paso published the article stating that the outdoor facility would benefit the El Paso Locomotive FC that is playing home matches at Southwest University Park until a new soccer specific stadium is built.

Approved in the 2012 Quality of Life Bond Election, the proposed $180 million multipurpose performing arts arena was intended to be set up to accommodate basketball games.

Kaplowitz added that the change would curtail any “hassle” regarding the location, cost, and completion date of the new stadium.

The future of the 15,000-seat $300 million venue has dragged on in El Paso the last several years in a battle between preservationists of Union Plaza Neighborhood and city leaders.

To compare costs, Kaplowitz reported that Austin, Texas, is constructing a 20,000-seat soccer venue for its future Major League Soccer team at $225 million, and Minneapolis recently opened a 19,400-seat field for $200 million.

NBA arenas in Sacramento and Milwaukee cost an excess of $500 million, according to Kaplowitz.

The proposed area site would be a huge score because of its closeness to Juarez, Mexico.

Kaplowitz suggested building the arena is a way that pays tribute to a controversial Union Plaza neighborhood in addition to adding an outdoor complex for concerts.

Adding more bars, restaurants and entertainment in the area, similar to Southwest University Park, would provide an economic boost.

The City of El Paso responded to the idea with the following statement to ABC-7:

“In 2012, voters overwhelmingly approved the development of a Multipurpose Performing Arts and Entertainment Center as one of three signature projects. A total of 102,358 people voted in favor of the project, representing 71.67 percent of the votes cast in the election. The MPC was conceived after multiple studies conducted over a span of two decades. It will be an enclosed facility that will host a variety of events. The City will deliver an MPC based on voters wishes.”