Ballroom Owners Celebrate Increase In Business

Ballrooms have seen an increase in business in the last year and some local owners said many of their business is coming from south of the border.

The manager of the Alamo Ballroom, Martha Montanez, said clients from Juarez -or with ties to the city- are now scheduling celebrations in El Paso.

“Our bookings, I can tell you right now, we’re booked for next year,” Montanez said. “It think because of what’s happening down there (in Juarez). They’re coming here to El Paso.”

The cost of a basic ballroom in El Paso varies widely depending on the number of people it can accommodate, the amenities and the night of the week you are booking. Prices may range from $3,000 or $5,000 for a night, plus catering or decorations.

Montanez admits a comparable hall in Juarez would be considerably cheaper, but the ability to enjoy a family gathering in a secure location is a major reason to celebrate on this side of the border.

“We had a lady who lost a $700 deposit. The reason she canceled was because relatives were not considering going across,” Montanez said.