Demolition plans set for Cohen Stadium

El Paso’s City Council has approved the budget to demolish Cohen Stadium and make room for the ballpark’s transformation into an entertainment district in the northeast.

City leaders have said that they’re trying to take an area that no longer serves the public and build it up into a vibrant social center for generations to come.

Cohen Stadium was once well known as the home of the El Paso Diablos but has been virtually abandoned since the opening of Southwest University Park in 2014.

Back in February, the city unveiled a master plan to transform the 50 acre site into a multi-use development.

New features are set to include a regional waterpark, eateries and a large urban plaza.

The total cost for the first phase of the project is around $20 million with other long term expenses still being finalized.

“Because we have been talking about this ever since i’ve been in office for the last 21 months, with restauranteurs, with hotel chains and with folks we want to attract to that site,” said El Paso City representative Sam Morgan. “So we will have a better understanding of what the picture will look like.”

Funds for the project are expected to come from certificates of obligation, private investment and government dollars.