EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Sunset Amphitheater project has taken a significant step forward as Venu, the company partnered with the City of El Paso, has officially closed on the property deal.

Robert Mudd, President and COO of Venu, confirmed the development, stating that the company now has ownership of the site located at the corner of Gateway North and Cohen Avenue, in Northeast El Paso.

"Typically, there's about a three to four-month design process once you close," Mudd said. "And so we're anticipating breaking ground in late third quarter or early fourth quarter of 2025."

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The 12,500-seat music venue is set to feature innovative design elements, including big wind walls and approximately 5,000 heated seats, making it a year-round facility. "It'll be cooled with innovative air moving technology in the summer, covered with the roof with the backdrop of the mountains," Mudd said. "I think we have a really exciting facility that's going to really lift the live music scene in El Paso."

Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the new venue. Some are enthusiastic about the addition, with one resident saying, "I lived here almost all my life and I've been waiting for something like this." Another resident added, "If they bring some people in and if it's the way it is on the pictures, of course I'm going to go."

However, not everyone is convinced.

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One local noted, "The one at McKelligon Canyon is better cause it has the view and everything like that."

Mudd highlighted the Franklin Mountain backdrop planned for the stage as one of the most exciting features of the project.

The company aims to have the Sunset Amphitheater operational before the end of 2026.

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