EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A new live entertainment venue in Northeast El Paso is becoming more of a reality.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, April 15, the El Paso City Council approved amendments to its public-private partnership with VENU, formerly known as Notes Live Inc., for the development of the Sunset Amphitheater at Gateway North and Cohen Avenue.
“This is about creating a new heartbeat for the northeast, one that draws visitors, supports local businesses, and gives families something to be excited about in their own backyard,” Council member Cynthia Boyar Trejo of District 4 said.
According to the city, the Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement and Contract of Sale include:
- Increasing the minimum private investment to $100 million.
- Expanding the development site from 17 to 20 acres, allowing for enhanced design flexibility and more dynamic year-round activation of the space.
- Adding an “El Paso First” clause to prioritize local hiring and procurement.
- Streamlining terms for land transfer, parking access, and development coordination.
City officials add that the city has approved a $31.5 million performance-based incentive package that uses no property tax revenues.
However, not all City Council members voted to move forward with the project.
Council members Josh Acevedo of District 2 and Alejandra Chavez of District 1 voted against it because of a non-compete clause, where the city agrees not to develop a new live entertainment venue within 60 miles of the new project with the intention to compete.
“And when you have somebody from the outside come in and come up with this agreement, with the city leading the charge and putting this in here. And as we saw, we weren’t able to strike down the non-compete. And that’s been the biggest sticking factor for me,” Acevedo said.
The Sunset Amphitheater is expected to host at least 40 shows annually and will have 12,500 seats with an anticipated opening in 2026.
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