The opening of the planned Sunset Amphitheater in Northeast El Paso has been delayed.
VENU, the company behind the new concert venue, broke ground on the Sunset Amphitheater in November 2025. The amphitheater was slated to open in March 2026, but various roadblocks pushed that back to later in the year.
Now, organizers are looking at a Fall 2027 opening.
“The opening timeline was adjusted as planning continues for the parking infrastructure and other supporting site improvements needed for the venue,” a VENU representative said in an email. “The city of El Paso is leading the parking infrastructure effort, with El Paso Community College involved as the owner of a portion of the parking area.”
“VENU has offered to serve as a collaborative partner by overseeing construction of the parking improvements on behalf of the city,” the email continued. “The goal is to keep the project moving forward while ensuring the venue, parking, and site access are coordinated in a way that supports a successful opening and long-term community benefit.”
The city has already kicked in $31.5 million in performance-based incentives for the project, which is expected to have a $2 billion impact within the first 10 years through job creation, local tourism, tax revenue and nearby business growth, according to a VENU news release.
Project cost increases
Initially, the Sunset Amphitheater project was expected to represent an $80 million investment in the old Cohen Stadium area. That number eventually rose to $100 million, but VENU has stated that they are now expecting to spend $160 million on the project thanks to new additions to the concert space.
“The project investment has been increased as a reflection of intentional upgrades to the guest experience,” the representative said. “Every dollar added to this project was added with the fan in mind, from a state-of-the-art sound system to large-scale LED walls. These additions are in line with VENU’s commitment to delivering a best-in-class entertainment environment.”
To date, the city has not approved any addition to VENU’s incentive package.
A key piece of VENU’s business model is the sale of Luxe FireSuites, which come with a lifetime membership, priority parking, food and beverage service and VIP restroom access. Now, they have shaken that up too.
“FireSuite sales are progressing well, particularly following the launch of our Triple Net lease pathway to ownership,” the representative stated. “This innovative structure allows buyers to generate passive income through their investment, and the response from the market has been strong.”
“This venue represents a major investment in El Paso’s future as a premier destination for live entertainment,” the email continued. “Once complete, it will bring a next-generation concert and event experience to the region, creating new opportunities for fans, artists, local businesses, and the broader community. VENU is proud to work alongside the city of El Paso and community partners to help deliver a project that will elevate the region’s entertainment landscape and generate lasting economic and cultural benefits.”
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso concert venue opening delayed until fall 2027
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Adam Powell, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
