Venu Pledges El Paso Site to Secure Loan

The company behind the Sunset Amphitheater project has used the El Paso development site as collateral for a $20 million loan.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a geometric land parcel with surveyor markers, representing a corporate property asset. — Venu Holding pledged the 20-acre former Cohen Stadium site in El Paso as collateral for a $20 million loan secured in 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Venu Holding used the 20-acre former Cohen Stadium site in El Paso as collateral for a $20 million loan secured during the summer of 2026. The funds are intended for a separate amphitheater project located near Dallas.

Why it matters

The project faces delays until 2028 as the company navigates parking land negotiations with the city and rising costs. While the city committed $31 million in performance-based incentives, the site remains tied to the company's broader financing strategies.

The Sunset Amphitheater project cost has risen to over $160 million from an original estimate of $100 million due to added features like audiovisual technology. The city has committed $31 million in performance-based incentives for the 12,500-seat venue.

The players

Venu Holding

This corporation is the primary developer responsible for the Sunset Amphitheater project.

City of El Paso

The local municipal government is providing financial incentives and negotiating land use for the amphitheater project.

EPCC

The El Paso Community College board of trustees is involved in ongoing discussions regarding land usage for project parking.

The details

Venu stated that pledging property assets is a standard tool for construction facilities. The project completion date is now pushed to 2028, with current plans for the site linking delays to ongoing discussions with the EPCC regarding parking arrangements.

April 2024: El Paso city leaders approved the amphitheater project.
March 2026: Original completion date for the amphitheater project.
June 2026: EPCC board approved a letter of intent for parking.
Summer 2026: Venu secured the $20 million loan.
2028: New projected completion date for the amphitheater.

Market Landscape

Large-scale urban developments frequently use complex collateral structures to manage liquidity during construction phases. The amphitheater market remains highly competitive, with developers balancing significant public incentives against rising costs for advanced entertainment technology.

Local residents should expect the construction timeline for the venue to extend through 2028. Continued negotiation over parking land may impact future traffic and accessibility plans for the former Cohen Stadium site.

The takeaway

Large infrastructure projects often encounter delays when multiple public and private entities must reach consensus on land use. Investors and residents should monitor future board meetings for updates on the parking agreement, as these logistics will determine the ultimate project timeline.