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Ot: Got back from El Paso

FiliUTEP

MI Miner Maniac
Feb 1, 2010
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Its been a pretty long time that I got hang out there.

I must say I like the new tall building downtown. It looks like it's on the Freeway when you coming from the eastside.

The fountain shops are okay. Looks like parking sucks there. I just drove by it didnt go down.

Went to one of the new water parks. It's nice for little babies. But even my 12 year old niece was bored. It's not even a waterpark more like a rec pool . But it's nice and a good idea. Maybe put some bigger slides?? I went to the Cohen one with my sister and her 2 kids. The younger one had a good time.

What I really liked was where Top Golf and Ifly are at. Anyone know what else they building there?? Do they plan to build a parking garage?? Looks like a parking nightmare if they dont. But it looks cool.

All in all looks like El Paso is getting better. Maybe bring in a amusement park and some other things. Then El Paso can actually be a vacation destination .
 
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I don’t see El Paso ever becoming a vacation destination. There are great amusement parks all over Texas, in bigger more well established cities. The city would need to come up with something quite unique, in order to attract tourists. It can’t compete with the bigger, more well established cities in Texas, by trying to copy/paste what they’ve already done

El Paso simply needs to make the city more enjoyable for residents, with quality (preferably unique) things to do. That will help attract and retain businesses and talent in the city. That’s the first step to becoming something more than a quick stop between Phoenix and Dallas.

It’s a tough problem to tackle, either way. You need a well paid populous to attract things like amusement parks or other expensive entertainment choices. On the other hand, you generally need those entertainment options in place, in order to attract business and talent to the city....
 
I don’t see El Paso ever becoming a vacation destination. There are great amusement parks all over Texas, in bigger more well established cities. The city would need to come up with something quite unique, in order to attract tourists. It can’t compete with the bigger, more well established cities in Texas, by trying to copy/paste what they’ve already done

El Paso simply needs to make the city more enjoyable for residents, with quality (preferably unique) things to do. That will help attract and retain businesses and talent in the city. That’s the first step to becoming something more than a quick stop between Phoenix and Dallas.

It’s a tough problem to tackle, either way. You need a well paid populous to attract things like amusement parks or other expensive entertainment choices. On the other hand, you generally need those entertainment options in place, in order to attract business and talent to the city....
The problem is also that El Paso is isolated. Where are you going to draw vacationers from? We’re 4 hours from Albuquerque, almost 5 from Tucson, and 9 from Dallas. I agree that the city should focus on improving the quality of life for El Pasoans but I have no idea what that entails.
 
El Paso will never be a vacation attraction in the Summer. It’s just too hot, without all the attractions that Phoenix and Las Vegas offer.

El Paso will also never be a vacation attraction until the low wage employees speak English. All the visitors that come here, talk to their friends and family. When they have an interaction with a Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Hotel employee that doesn’t speak English, that is a deterrent to future visitors. It may not be a big deal to someone who speaks Spanish, but I guarantee you, it’s a big deal to some; especially in this political climate.
 
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I don’t see El Paso ever becoming a vacation destination. There are great amusement parks all over Texas, in bigger more well established cities. The city would need to come up with something quite unique, in order to attract tourists. It can’t compete with the bigger, more well established cities in Texas, by trying to copy/paste what they’ve already done

El Paso simply needs to make the city more enjoyable for residents, with quality (preferably unique) things to do. That will help attract and retain businesses and talent in the city. That’s the first step to becoming something more than a quick stop between Phoenix and Dallas.

It’s a tough problem to tackle, either way. You need a well paid populous to attract things like amusement parks or other expensive entertainment choices. On the other hand, you generally need those entertainment options in place, in order to attract business and talent to the city....


I disagree I think it could be but it was sad when staying in the hotel. Most of you know pantlifs they have in Hotels. Most of them were for San Antonio and Phoenix.

I think its getting there. Is just needs some rich guy or people to put money into the city. Maybe Aaron Jones and Khalid can start some businesses out here.
 
El Paso will never be a vacation attraction in the Summer. It’s just too hot, without all the attractions that Phoenix and Las Vegas offer.

El Paso will also never be a vacation attraction until the low wage employees speak English. All the visitors that come here, talk to their friends and family. When they have an interaction with a Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Hotel employee that doesn’t speak English, that is a deterrent to future visitors. It may not be a big deal to someone who speaks Spanish, but I guarantee you, it’s a big deal to some; especially in this political climate.


That's not true at all . Ever been to Miami or south beach. Good luck finding someone there that speaks English. Just cause someone doesn't speak English doesn't mean people wont come. Stupidest thing I ever heard.
 
El Paso's come a long way over the past 20 years. The ballpark is first class. The Plaza Theatre is first class. San Jacinto is first. The Plaza Hotel and Stanton House Hotels are first class. The Fountains is very nice. The highway system, with Loop 375 is great - there is no serious congestion to speak of. The streetcars are a great vintage touch to downtown. The waterparks that are opening are first class and great for kids ages 4 - 16 - I have stayed at 5 star family resorts in Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean and there is nothing nicer as it relates to the water features.

The problem is people always complain. They want the first class experience - but they want it for free. In my opinion, MountainStar does it right. You are going to pay, but you are going to have a great fan experience. That philosophy works as the Chihuahuas attendance is consistently at the top of minor league baseball. El Paso still as a ways to go, but it is trending in a great direction.
 
That's not true at all . Ever been to Miami or south beach. Good luck finding someone there that speaks English. Just cause someone doesn't speak English doesn't mean people wont come. Stupidest thing I ever heard.
Gee, Miami has beaches, water, and world class dining and nightlife. El Paso doesn’t. If you have nice stuff, little things matter less and less. El Paso doesn’t have that luxury.
 
We need a resort man. A nice spot just to get away from the City where you don't have to drive to Albuquerque or Arizona.
 
Gee, Miami has beaches, water, and world class dining and nightlife. El Paso doesn’t. If you have nice stuff, little things matter less and less. El Paso doesn’t have that luxury.


You said people wont come because nobody speaks English. People do speak English in El Paso but even if they didn't that is not why people dont come.
 
The new children’s museum will be a nice regional draw.

I think recreating an authentic Mexican marketplace right on the river would be a winner — shopping, bars, restaurants. A safe way to do Mexico. Maybe even a little bridge that goes halfway across the river where people can take selfies in Mexican hats, etc. Maybe pump water into the river there and recirculate it so it’s always full.
 
I don’t see El Paso ever becoming a vacation destination. There are great amusement parks all over Texas, in bigger more well established cities. The city would need to come up with something quite unique, in order to attract tourists. It can’t compete with the bigger, more well established cities in Texas, by trying to copy/paste what they’ve already done
If Des Moines, Iowa can support an amusement park (Adventureland) with multiple coasters, some wooden, some with inversions, then so can El Paso, TX. Des Moines isn't a tourist destination, but they are a regional hub in a situation very similar to El Paso. El Paso doesn't need to compete with San Antonio or Dallas amusement parks. Des Moines is hundreds of miles closer to Chicago than El Paso is to San Antonio or Dallas; don't give me that crap.

El Paso can provide attractions for the region, for the folks in Juarez and New Mexico. There are many people in a 100-mile radius of El Paso, and Albuquerque isn't that far away. That's all Adventureland does for Des Moines; they're not trying to attract the people from Chicago who have Six Flags Great America or St. Louis who have Six Flags St. Louis. But they have a product that draws all the families from the region who are looking for a fun time on a summer weekend.

Why would I bother going to Western Playland when I visit El Paso? They have nothing to offer. They've done nothing to innovate my entire life. It's such a shame that Magic Landing had such cursed luck; competition would be a good thing. They've had nothing to light a fire under their butts for decades and they're complacent. El Paso is complacent. I've heard it said: Western Playland is the traveling carnival that just never left town. Now, put in a loopy coaster or a nice, wooden coaster and I would check it out.

Little Arnolds Park in Iowa even has an amusement park that is comparable to Western Playland, except their wooden coaster is historic (from 1927, the 13th oldest wooden coaster in the USA) with a scenic view along the banks of the Okoboji lakes and that alone puts Western Playland to shame. Arnolds Park.

El Paso has such a small-town attitude. We can't have nice things. We can't have an arena.

Why.
 
If Des Moines, Iowa can support an amusement park (Adventureland) with multiple coasters, some wooden, some with inversions, then so can El Paso, TX. Des Moines isn't a tourist destination, but they are a regional hub in a situation very similar to El Paso. El Paso doesn't need to compete with San Antonio or Dallas amusement parks. Des Moines is hundreds of miles closer to Chicago than El Paso is to San Antonio or Dallas; don't give me that crap.

El Paso can provide attractions for the region, for the folks in Juarez and New Mexico. There are many people in a 100-mile radius of El Paso, and Albuquerque isn't that far away. That's all Adventureland does for Des Moines; they're not trying to attract the people from Chicago who have Six Flags Great America or St. Louis who have Six Flags St. Louis. But they have a product that draws all the families from the region who are looking for a fun time on a summer weekend.

Why would I bother going to Western Playland when I visit El Paso? They have nothing to offer. They've done nothing to innovate my entire life. It's such a shame that Magic Landing had such cursed luck; competition would be a good thing. They've had nothing to light a fire under their butts for decades and they're complacent. El Paso is complacent. I've heard it said: Western Playland is the traveling carnival that just never left town. Now, put in a loopy coaster or a nice, wooden coaster and I would check it out.

Little Arnolds Park in Iowa even has an amusement park that is comparable to Western Playland, except their wooden coaster is historic (from 1927, the 13th oldest wooden coaster in the USA) with a scenic view along the banks of the Okoboji lakes and that alone puts Western Playland to shame. Arnolds Park.

El Paso has such a small-town attitude. We can't have nice things. We can't have an arena.

Why.

Mr. Wildcat, that was incredibly well said. My hat is off to you, Sir.
 
We need a resort man. A nice spot just to get away from the City where you don't have to drive to Albuquerque or Arizona.
I would agree with that. El Paso, Tucson and Albuquerque are all essentially at the same level. They do both have a resort and better Casinos though. It's sad that Covid shot down the Great Wold Lodge, that would've been nice. I remember years back when Speaking Rock had plans to build a huge hotel, but it was of course shot down by Texas. Now ironically they're trying to get casinos approved in the Big 4 in Texas. That further shows that Texas Congressman don't care about El Paso. The local officials need to do a better job trying to get funding from Texas and not treating it like forgotten kid who is into drugs and moved away from home.
 
The problem is people always complain. They want the first class experience - but they want it for free.

BINGO!!!!!
I still remember that when I got my tickets to the Texas vs UTEP game at the Sun Bowl the lady at the ticket office apologized to me for the price of the tickets before she even mentioned the price. For her to do that she was either instructed to do so, or had heard so many complaints about the price previously.
Most people in El Paso want Disney World quality at Western Playland prices.
 
El Paso can provide attractions for the region, for the folks in Juarez and New Mexico. There are many people in a 100-mile radius of El Paso, and Albuquerque isn't that far away. That's all Adventureland does for Des Moines; they're not trying to attract the people from Chicago who have Six Flags Great America or St. Louis who have Six Flags St. Louis. But they have a product that draws all the families from the region who are looking for a fun time on a summer weekend.

Why would I bother going to Western Playland when I visit El Paso? They have nothing to offer. They've done nothing to innovate my entire life. It's such a shame that Magic Landing had such cursed luck; competition would be a good thing. They've had nothing to light a fire under their butts for decades and they're complacent. El Paso is complacent. I've heard it said: Western Playland is the traveling carnival that just never left town. Now, put in a loopy coaster or a nice, wooden coaster and I would check it out.

Little Arnolds Park in Iowa even has an amusement park that is comparable to Western Playland, except their wooden coaster is historic (from 1927, the 13th oldest wooden coaster in the USA) with a scenic view along the banks of the Okoboji lakes and that alone puts Western Playland to shame. Arnolds Park.

El Paso has such a small-town attitude. We can't have nice things. We can't have an arena.

Why.

De Moines is the capitol of Iowa. Anyone within the state, or within spitting distance of that city are likely to go to that amusement park. Who’s coming to El Paso for your amusement park? Sure as hell won’t be anyone from Texas, 90% of whom will have closer/better options around the big 4 cities.

Any investor would have to rely on El Paso, Juarez, and residents of New Mexico to support such a thing. Those aforementioned areas are not known for having disposable income for expensive entertainment options. The median income in De Moines, for example, is over 30k. El Paso is just over 23k.

Basically, anything built there would have to be extremely affordable. We all know El Paso, and we all know people want top notch entertainment for the price of a night out at the movies. You don’t typically build “tourist attractions” in areas like that.

but, if you’re that confident it’s an apples to apples comparison— I ’d reach out to investors to gauge their response. My guess is that few, if any, would find a comparible amusement park to be a viable option in the area. But I don’t invest in amusement parks, so what do I know anyway...
 
De Moines is the capitol of Iowa. Anyone within the state, or within spitting distance of that city are likely to go to that amusement park. Who’s coming to El Paso for your amusement park? Sure as hell won’t be anyone from Texas, 90% of whom will have closer/better options around the big 4 cities.

Any investor would have to rely on El Paso, Juarez, and residents of New Mexico to support such a thing. Those aforementioned areas are not known for having disposable income for expensive entertainment options. The median income in De Moines, for example, is over 30k. El Paso is just over 23k.

Basically, anything built there would have to be extremely affordable. We all know El Paso, and we all know people want top notch entertainment for the price of a night out at the movies. You don’t typically build “tourist attractions” in areas like that.

but, if you’re that confident it’s an apples to apples comparison— I ’d reach out to investors to gauge their response. My guess is that few, if any, would find a comparible amusement park to be a viable option in the area. But I don’t invest in amusement parks, so what do I know anyway...
El Paso has a AAA baseball team, just like Des Moines. El Pasoans are at least willing to pay for AAA ball. Des Moines is a bit more affluent, but they're in the same league.

As for Des Moines attracting everybody in the state, it's not like Iowa is that populous. El Paso by itself has a greater population than any city in Iowa, including Des Moines. And the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City folks are about 250 miles from Chicago, so when you keep talking about El Paso competing with the rest of Texas, when San Antonio and Dallas are each over 500 miles from El Paso, get out of here with that. There are more options for the people in Iowa to drive to and they can still support a nice, regional amusement park.

Maybe El Paso wouldn't be able to support Adventureland, but they can surely do better than Western Playland. The gulf between them is substantial and El Paso could support something between them. Western Playland has been running in place since the '80s.
 
BINGO!!!!!
I still remember that when I got my tickets to the Texas vs UTEP game at the Sun Bowl the lady at the ticket office apologized to me for the price of the tickets before she even mentioned the price. For her to do that she was either instructed to do so, or had heard so many complaints about the price previously.
Most people in El Paso want Disney World quality at Western Playland prices.
But at the same time how many El Pasoans refuse to leave their side of town? If you live on the east side, the west side is too far. If you live in the northeast then the lower Valley is too far and so on and so on.
 
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An amusement park in Des Moines, will have any rural Iowan going there all the time. El Paso is barely considered Texas and unless you live in Van Horn, Apline, and Dell City, you’re going to go somewhere else in the state. Des Moines has zero competition for in state tourist dollars.
 
An amusement park in Des Moines, will have any rural Iowan going there all the time. El Paso is barely considered Texas and unless you live in Van Horn, Apline, and Dell City, you’re going to go somewhere else in the state. Des Moines has zero competition for in state tourist dollars.
Not to mention the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, which attracts over a million people annually.
 
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I'm not moving to any city because it has an amusement park or Sea world or whatever. I mean who really cares that much. How many times are you gonna go anyway?

My main gripe with EP is the trash and the careless attitudes. That's is WAY more important to me
 
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But at the same time how many El Pasoans refuse to leave their side of town? If you live on the east side, the west side is too far. If you live in the northeast then the lower Valley is too far and so on and so on.
I agree with that. When I lived in EP the west side or northeast was far. Now I routinely drive 30+ minutes to entertainment and it's nothing to me now.
 
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An amusement park in Des Moines, will have any rural Iowan going there all the time. El Paso is barely considered Texas and unless you live in Van Horn, Apline, and Dell City, you’re going to go somewhere else in the state. Des Moines has zero competition for in state tourist dollars.
It doesn't matter about the rest of Texas though buddy. El Paso Entertainment options would attract the state of Chihuahua, Dona Ana, Luna County in addition to El Paso. I'm not saying they have the income to support a six flags or something, however I don't know why you mentioned van horn. El Paso has a closer link to NM and MX not the rest of Texas, maybe Midland/Odessa since they're in the middle of us and DFW, but a lot have families in EP and also live in EP and work in that area.
 
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It doesn't matter about the rest of Texas though buddy. El Paso Entertainment options would attract the state of Chihuahua, Dona Ana, Luna County in addition to El Paso. I'm not saying they have the income to support a six flags or something, however I don't know why you mentioned van horn. El Paso has a closer link to NM and MX not the rest of Texas, maybe Midland/Odessa since they're in the middle of us and DFW, but a lot have families in EP and also live in EP and work in that area.
That’s why there’s not going to be any big attractions here, which is the point some of us are making.

If you’re mostly attracting Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico, who is going to cater to that crowd??? Relying on border crossing Mexicans, does not seem like a solid financial plan to me. As “many” of them are always trying to be in the US and at anytime, border crossings could be more difficult or not allowed, something.
 
I would sell the border like crazy. You go on a Cruise Ship and you're in Haiti, but not really. You're in a secure area owned by Royal Caribbean.

There has to be a spot where you can stand in Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas at the same time. And I would sell it and develop it as 3 cultures one place.

On the Westside, I would dig out the Rio Grande to a few extra feet, and this time of year have a swimming hole with a man made beach along the River.

There's lots going for the city in terms of culture. Still waiting for Western Playland to develop. Remember they moved from Ascarate so they can invest in World Class rides and entertainment.
 
El Paso has a AAA baseball team, just like Des Moines. El Pasoans are at least willing to pay for AAA ball. Des Moines is a bit more affluent, but they're in the same league.

As for Des Moines attracting everybody in the state, it's not like Iowa is that populous. El Paso by itself has a greater population than any city in Iowa, including Des Moines. And the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City folks are about 250 miles from Chicago, so when you keep talking about El Paso competing with the rest of Texas, when San Antonio and Dallas are each over 500 miles from El Paso, get out of here with that. There are more options for the people in Iowa to drive to and they can still support a nice, regional amusement park.

Maybe El Paso wouldn't be able to support Adventureland, but they can surely do better than Western Playland. The gulf between them is substantial and El Paso could support something between them. Western Playland has been running in place since the '80s.
Per capita income for the state of Iowa over $33,000 a year.
Per capita income for specifically Des Moines $46,430 a year.
Per capita income for El Paso, Tx, $21,915 a year.
El Paso is a poor city.
 
Heard they are going to make downtown overpass area a tunnel from Santa Fe to Wyoming and there will be a park running the length of the tunnel on top.
Yes I have heard that plan from TXdot also. Not sure how they can make the park though with all the cross streets.
 
El Paso should host some spring training baseball teams. It be nice if they can get 4 teams to train here.
 
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I would sell the border like crazy. You go on a Cruise Ship and you're in Haiti, but not really. You're in a secure area owned by Royal Caribbean.

There has to be a spot where you can stand in Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas at the same time. And I would sell it and develop it as 3 cultures one place.

On the Westside, I would dig out the Rio Grande to a few extra feet, and this time of year have a swimming hole with a man made beach along the River.

There's lots going for the city in terms of culture. Still waiting for Western Playland to develop. Remember they moved from Ascarate so they can invest in World Class rides and entertainment.



I saw some people in the El Paso side swimming the river. I always thought they should put like restaurants and shops by the river bed.
 
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Per capita income for the state of Iowa over $33,000 a year.
Per capita income for specifically Des Moines $46,430 a year.
Per capita income for El Paso, Tx, $21,915 a year.
El Paso is a poor city.
None of that matters. El Paso needs spring training, Hispanic Disneyland, a huge resort catering to Mormon travelers, and a Khalid themed McDonalds. El Paso should also spend $1,000,000 on advertising in Green Bay, Wisconsin to get fans of Aaron Jones to visit here!
 
The city has to flourish from the inside out. Thats all we really have to offer.

The low per capita income has put a damper on any attractions for years because nobody had money to spend/or didn't want to spend. Unless there is constant tourism coming in generating money for the city then the majority of 'new attractions' die out anyway and our property taxes continue to go up.

Paul Foster has done a great job at helping to rebuild downtown. Things have improved, but we are nowhere close to where a city our size should be. We have to spend money (and spend wisely) to make money.

What real tourist attraction could we do in EP that would attract regular tourism? I'm sure their are a lot of ideas, but I think continuing to revitalize downtown and clean the city are the best places to start. One day EP may come up with something or have a great stroke of luck, but until we need to focus on ourselves and making our city more attractive.
 
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