EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso County is seeking “qualified firms” to take over the management and operation of the El Paso County Coliseum through a newly issued Request for Proposal, following recent controversy surrounding the venue’s future management.
The announcement comes days after El Paso County Commissioners approved opening a bid process for management of the Coliseum. The move followed claims from the current operator, the El Paso Sports Commission, that county officials had allegedly promised management of the venue to the University of Texas at El Paso.
Sports Commission wants answers on rumored UTEP takeover of Coliseum
The El Paso Sports Commission, which has managed the Coliseum for nearly 23 years, has publicly called for answers regarding the rumored UTEP takeover.
The County commissioners’ recent vote marks the first time in at least two decades that the County has opened a competitive bid process for Coliseum management.
El Paso County approves bid process for Coliseum property
(KTSM)
County officials said the RFP is intended to ensure continuity of operations while encouraging experienced contractors with proven track records managing government-owned facilities to submit proposals.
The County described the Coliseum as one of the region’s most notable cultural and entertainment landmarks.
“Originally opened in 1942, the El Paso County Coliseum has served the region for more than eight decades as a historic multi-purpose venue and community gathering space. Throughout its history, the Coliseum has hosted a wide range of events, including rodeos, concerts, sporting events, graduations, and family entertainment. The Coliseum is recognized as one of the region’s most notable cultural and entertainment landmarks.”
As part of the proposal process, El Paso County is hosting a walk-through and pre-proposal conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Coliseum, located at 4100 E. Paisano Drive.
Proposals are due by 2 p.m. Thursday, June 25. Responses can be submitted in person to the El Paso County Purchasing Office at 800 E. Overland Ave., Suite 300, or electronically through the County’s bidding portal at epcountypurchasing.ionwave.net.
Interested firms can review the full RFP documents on the County’s electronic bidding platform under “Current Bids.”
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