EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County is seeking outside firms to take over the management and day-to-day operation of the historic El Paso County Coliseum, launching a formal Request for Proposal process aimed at maintaining continuity while bringing in experienced facility operators.
The county is soliciting proposals from qualified firms for the management, operation, marketing and administration of the county-owned venue at 4100 E. Paisano Drive.
The county is encouraging contractors with a proven track record of managing government-owned facilities to submit proposals.
Originally opened in 1942, the El Paso County Coliseum has served the region for more than eight decades as a multi-purpose venue and community gathering space.
Over the years, it has hosted events including rodeos, concerts, sporting events, graduations and family entertainment, and is considered one of the region’s notable cultural and entertainment landmarks.
A walk-through and pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 at the El Paso County Coliseum.
Proposals are due June 25 by 2 p.m.
Responses must be submitted either as hard copies to the Purchasing Office at 800 E. Overland Ave., Suite 300, El Paso, Texas 79901, or electronically through the county’s bidding portal at epcountypurchasing.ionwave.net.
Interested firms can access the full RFP documents through the county’s electronic bidding platform by clicking on “Current Bids.”
RELATED: El Paso County commissioners approve bidding process for Coliseum management
A few days ago, county commissioners approved moving forward with a request for proposal process for the management of the county-owned venue.
County Judge Ricardo Samaniego also addressed allegations about the legality of discussions with the University of Texas at El Paso regarding a possible takeover of management.
“As a government entity, we have the right to enter into a local agreement, an interlocal agreement, without going to an RFP or opening the bid to anybody else. And so there were discussions with UTEP,” Samaniego said.
He said commissioners ultimately agreed to pursue an open bidding process.
“So we agreed right now that we are going to make an RFP and that we are going to make it fair to everybody and that everybody can be able to apply to manage the Coliseum,” Samaniego said.
The El Paso Sports Commission has managed the Coliseum since 2003, and its contract is set to expire in September 2027.
The commission’s director of communications, Tony Rodriguez, said the Sports Commission plans to submit a bid to keep management of the Coliseum.
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