Ad campaign to be launched in support of downtown arena

An advertising campaign will be launched in support of the proposed downtown arena.

Mountainstar sports group will fund and launch an advertising campaign on September 3rd. In a news release, officials said the ad campaign is geared to “generate support for the city’s efforts to get the arena built, and to encourage 2012 bond voters to make sure their original vote in favor of a downtown, multipurpose arena is honored.”

“When we learned the funding of a legal strategy for a small group who oppose the arena was coming from outside El Paso, we felt it was time for El Paso’s residents and taxpayers to speak up. We want to help El Pasoans do that, and give them a voice in this matter,” Josh Hunt, CEO of Mountainstar Sports Group said.

Hunt added the delays are costing taxpayers.

“We know that the longer construction is delayed, the more it will cost. We want to see the city proceed to get the facility built, and we believe voters knew what they wanted when they voted for the proposition,” Hunt said.

The campaign will highlight the support from El Paso voters who voted in favor of the 2012 bond and the downtown multipurpose facility. Hunt said 71.67% of voters voted for the proposition that included, “a multi-purpose performing arts and entertainment facility located in downtown El Paso.”

Hunt tells ABC-7 in an email, the voters knew they wanted the arena to include all types of entertainment.

“We believe the voters knew what they were voting for and that they want a facility that can deliver more of all types of entertainment, including sports,” Hunt said.

Historian Bernie Sargent says voters knew the arena wouldn’t include sports.

“I do know that the bond ordinance that was drafted by the city mentioned sports and mentioned downtown, but it was not on the ballot. When I talk to our friends, relatives and so on in El Paso, they say if I would’ve known sports was involved, I would’ve said no because we have this beautiful baseball stadium that could accommodate many, many sports,” Sargent said.

Mountainstar Sports Group, is behind one of the cities biggest projects, the ballpark. Sargent says they certainly have the finances to roll out an advertising campaign but says voters need to be better informed about the proposed location.

“They mentioned that the city did extensive, historical research. There were maybe no less than five organizations all with people that have doctorate degrees, history, anthropology, archaeology, going all the way back to the mid 90’s. All of which recommended historical overlays, historical buildings, locations, none of which was followed up with at the city. So the experts had already tuned into this and said this was a valuable piece of property. He added, “to say that all the history has been studied, researched, it was, but it was never followed up with.”

When asked if Hunt believes the campaign will change the outcome of the judge’s ruling, he tells ABC-7 he doesn’t.

“No. We respect the judicial process. The judge will hear both sides and make a decision. But we want the voting public to have a side. So far, a small activist group has been the only voice in this issue and it has caused serious delays – delays that are costing the taxpayer. The voting public in the 2012 bond election should have a voice, too, and we want to help,” Hunt said.

Sargent says they’re not entirely opposed to the arena, but the idea of destroying history.

“Try to find a location that is more amendable to parking, will not destroy the heritage and homes, the culture of that neighborhood and maybe find another location.”

The ad campaign support will also promote continued downtown development and revitalization.

“We need that momentum to continue, and having a multipurpose arena is part of that progress,” Hunt said.

El Paso City Council voted earlier this month to appeal the ruling made by an Austin judge regarding the downtown arena. The judge ruled the city can build the new $180 million downtown multi-purpose facility, but the arena cannot be built in a way to accommodate sports.

As part of the action taken by council, the city of El Paso will:

Appeal Judge Meachum’s ruling Continue to work within the MPC site and the acquisition of the properties; while working with the state’s historic preservation commission Seek clarification through the appeal as to what it can provide in the MPC and how we can fund it Design a multipurpose center that can feature a variety of special events.

City officials told ABC-7 they believe an appeal could take up to a year. The campaign will include traditional and online advertising, and social media and will be launched on September 3rd.