EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are celebrating an economic and tourism boost that the Sun City experienced during the weekend of the sold-out Coldplay concerts on June 13 and 14 at Sun Bowl Stadium.
Total estimated spending across the city that weekend peaked at $34.7 million — up 21.2 percent from the same weekend in 2024, according to a report conducted by Destination El Paso.
This year-over-year jump represents an additional $6.08 million in total spending across local businesses, hotels, and attractions, with the concerts serving as a key driver for the boost, the report added.
“Part of our mission is to positively impact the culture and economy of the community we serve,” UTEP President Heather Wilson said. “This set a new record for us and I’m really proud of the team that worked so hard to bring Coldplay to El Paso. El Paso deserves great events like this, and we want to do more of them.”
The concerts generated between 59,700 and 89,500 daily visitors to the Sun Bowl, with 12.2 percent of visitors attributed to travelers from more than 50 miles away.
In addition, 13.4 percent of visitors came from out of state, further emphasizing the event’s regional draw, according to the report.
“The success of the Coldplay concerts is a true reflection of what happens when our community comes together. UTEP’s leadership was key in securing this world-class act for El Paso, and we are deeply grateful for their role in making it possible,” El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said. “Along with our many community partners, these concerts proved that when El Paso unites, we can deliver unforgettable experiences that uplift our city and showcase our spirit to the world, while driving economic growth, which is one of my top priorities as Mayor.”
The study found that visitors primarily traveled from Texas (76.6 percent), New Mexico (11.6 percent), and Arizona (2.51 percent), with an average spend per trip of $171.72.
The top spending categories included grocery and department stores (39.4 percent); dining and nightlife (19.8 percent); and specialty retail (8.34 percent).
“The numbers don’t lie: The economic impact that the UTEP Sun Bowl Stadium generates from large events is substantial and benefits not only the University but also the greater El Paso community,” Jorge Vazquez, executive director of Special Events at UTEP, said. “It makes sense to invest back in our facility to attract more mega events and make El Paso a must stop for the biggest tours in the world.”
Vazquez added that the $6 million does not include the generated revenue for local vendors who assisted in event production.
“That weekend confirmed what we’ve been saying all along: El Paso is a must-visit destination,” President and CEO of Destination El Paso, Jose Garcia, said. “Welcoming fans from across the country to experience Coldplay at our iconic Sun Bowl showcased our vibrant culture, unmatched hospitality, and growing reputation for world-class events. Those concerts were more than incredible shows — they were a celebration of El Paso’s spirit and its place on the global stage.”
Beyond the Sun Bowl, attendees explored other areas of El Paso – 17 percent were observed in hotel districts, 10 percent in shopping areas, 8 percent enjoying outdoor attractions, and 4 percent visiting museums.
“This activity reflects the concerts’ role in driving not only ticket sales but also broader tourism engagement across El Paso’s hospitality, retail and cultural sectors,” read the news release by UTEP.
Additionally, the audience demographics revealed that 46.5 percent of attendees were between the ages of 25-44, while 32.6 percent were in the 45-64 age group.
The concerts also drew a high-income audience, with 21.8 percent reporting household earnings between $100–$150,000, and 13.8 percent exceeding $150,000.
“The double performances mark a milestone for El Paso’s live event landscape, demonstrating the power of large-scale performances to generate significant economic activity and showcase El Paso as a premier destination for entertainment, travel and culture,” according to the news release.
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