UTEP-area businesses extend hours and add staff to handle Karol G Sun Bowl crowds

As thousands of Karol G fans head to the Sun Bowl for the singer’s concerts, nearby businesses say the crowds are bringing in customers and changing how they operate over the weekend.

Businesses around UTEP say concertgoers are stopping by for food, drinks, and parking before heading into the venue.

Kassandra Mercido, who attended the concert, said her group chose to visit a nearby pizza restaurant before the show.

“We came to the area, one, for parking; two, we came to the pizza joint,” Mercido said. “I like local business. I think El Paso has a lot of heart for it.”

Justin Chang, owner of Fubatea, said the business adjusted its usual schedule and staffing because of the expected crowds.

“It’s been great. We’re usually not open on Sundays,” Chang said. “Because of the concert, we decided to be open for plenty of people not from here.”

Chang said Fubatea changed its hours for the weekend and added employees to help serve the increased number of customers.

At Rib Hut, manager Adriana Bustillo said large concerts at the Sun Bowl have historically increased sales.

She said the restaurant prepared by staying late before the event and adding more servers, cooks, and dishwashers.

“The concerts in the past have given us more sales. We do see the difference in sales,” Bustillo said. “We already know what we are coming up to, so we’re already prepared.”

For concertgoers, businesses within walking distance of UTEP are also making the experience more convenient.

Samantha Munoz said her group stopped at a nearby pizza restaurant to enjoy time together before the concert.

“It’s convenient they are here right across from UTEP, where the venue is happening for Karol G,” Munoz said.

Business owners said they hope the added traffic continues beyond the concert weekend, noting that major events at the Sun Bowl can make a significant difference for businesses in the UTEP area.

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