El Paso City Council moves forward with Sunset Amphitheater project
Watch the discussion below:
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso City Council approved a revised contract with VENU (formerly Notes Live, Inc.) to move forward with the proposed Sunset Amphitheater in Northeast El Paso.
City Council members approved the new agreement 6 to 2. Representatives Josh Acevedo and Alejandra Chavez voted against the motion.
Earlier in the meeting, Acevedo raised concerns about the contract's non-compete clause, which says the City cannot build another entertainment venue with more than 4,000 seats within 60 miles of the Sunset Amphitheater.
Shortly after the vote, City leaders held a press conference with officials from VENU.
"Today marks a major milestone for the City of El Paso, especially for our northeast side of town," Mayor Renard Johnson said in an opening statement. "The Sunset Amphitheater project is a step forward, bringing new life, jobs, opportunities to part of the city that has long asked for a meaningful investment."
Developers said during the press conference they expect to break ground soon, and the venue could open as soon as late 2026.
"This is kind of the last step in making sure that we've got all of the unfortunate delays wrapped up," City of El Paso Economic and International Development Director Karina Brasgalla said.
City Representative for District 4 Cynthia Boyar Trejo shared her excitement about new opportunities coming to her community.
"This is about creating a new heartbeat for the northeast," Trejo said. "One that draws visitors, supports local businesses and gives families something to be excited about in their own backyard."
The amended contract includes a change from 17 to 20 acres of property to accommodate the "updated design" which allows for year-round event programming, according to the City's presentation.
Developers say the larger footprint allows them to build wind walls and add heating to offer year-round events.
"Many of you may be familiar with outdoor amphitheaters, or you may have attended some in other markets. That is not what El Paso was getting here," VENU Vice President of Construction and Market Expansion Bob Mudd said. "The Sunset at El Paso is going to be a world-class luxury amphitheater with a venue that allows for all price points to be met."
The amendment also clarifies parking responsibilities and updates the official closing date of the sale.
Council also agreed to amend the 380 Agreement to increase minimum investment to $100M and add an "El Paso First" clause to prioritize hiring local workers.
The land transfer was originally expected to be finalized in December 2024, but was delayed due to title issues.
More details about the planned design and amenities are available on VENU's website.
