City council approves agreement to move forward with multi-million-dollar Northeast amphitheater

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The City of El Paso finalized its agreement with Notes Live Inc., to move forward with building an $80-million amphitheater in Northeast El Paso.

City Council members voted 4 to 3 during the July 2 meeting to approve the nearly $31-million incentives and sale of 17 acres to the entertainment and hospitality company in exchange for the new entertainment center that will need to book at least 40 national touring events every year per the agreement.

Representatives Josh Acevedo, Cassandra Hernandez, and Isabel Salcido were the three council members who voted against the agreement over concerns about the non-compete clause that would give Notes Live Inc. first refusal rights.

In response, Karina Brasgalla, the City’s interim director with Economic and International Development said: “Part of this is making sure that Cohen stays competitive but also the MPC (multipurpose center). We still have a voter approved bond project on our slate of projects to fulfill. Of course, the city still sets the standards, the restrictions, but it doesn’t mean they get whatever deal they want. We would still put the parameters on that, and it would be in a very, very specific set of circumstances.”

According to the 380 Agreement, the incentive from the City includes tax rebates, an $8-million 8-year development note, and City-owned land.

The City said the plan could generate $5.4 billion for the economy.

The 12,500-seat arena will begin construction at the Northeast corner of Cohen Avenue and Gateway Blvd. North this August.

The venue is scheduled to open in March 2026.

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