County orders competitive RFP after public outcry over Coliseum management

El Paso County commissioners voted May 11 to open a competitive solicitation for management of the County Coliseum and the county sports-tourism promotion program after an extended public-comment period that included sharp accusations about pre-bid discussions.

The court approved two purchasing actions authorizing the county purchasing agent to solicit proposals for Coliseum management and for sports-tourism promotion services. Commissioner Sam Stout moved to pursue the requests for proposals; Judge Ricardo Sango seconded the motion and the court carried it in an open vote.

The decision followed public comments from business and community leaders. Local attorney Brian Kennedy said he had gathered information suggesting meetings and communications beginning last September about turning Coliseum operations to UTEP without a public bid, and warned that a bid specification had been written by someone who later would evaluate bids: "Houston, we have a problem," he said. Residents and event organizers including Dora Banea and Nicole Gonzalez, executive director of Kaleidoscope Art Market, said changes to management could disrupt community access and the momentum the Coliseum has built for local events.

Supporters of the incumbent manager also submitted written comments and spoke to the court, citing steady event schedules and a reported contribution to the county. Paul Ferris, a longtime local attendee, said the Coliseum is part of the community fabric and urged the court to invest in the facility while keeping current management.

County staff and the assistant county attorney explained legal pathways for selecting a vendor. Eric Rosales Naglion, assistant county attorney, told commissioners the court may either solicit competitive proposals under the County Purchasing Act (Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262) or enter an interlocal agreement under Chapter 791; both approaches are legally available. Commissioners said the RFP will create a level playing field and give current managers a chance to compete.

The court instructed purchasing staff to prepare the RFPs. The solicitation will require public notice and evaluation criteria; the county said it intends to follow established procurement rules. The current management contract runs through September 2026; the court and staff indicated the procurement process could lead to a transition as early as October 2025 depending on timing of award and implementation.

Next steps: the purchasing agent will issue the RFP documents and evaluate submissions according to the county's established criteria; the court will receive any recommended contract award for approval.