HOW A CONVENTION CENTER COULD ACTUALLY WORK IN CAMERON COUNTY

Of course, I'm not an expert on running a convention center successfully, but I've talked to individuals with some expertise in that area and will attempt to share what I've learned.

Cameron County actually running the venue is a recipe for absolute failure.  

Neither Carlos Cascos or Eddie Trevino has the number of Elton John or Luis Miguel's manager on their iphone nor likely the expertise to run an entertainment venue, no disrespect intended.

A SUCCESSFUL company with a substantial history in entertainment procurement that can be vetted needs to be retained.

In exchange, such a company will likely require a long term lease on the facilities, possibly 30 years.

The lease particulars need to be negotiated so that they actually pay off any bond or other indebtedness the county has incurred.

The goal is not for the county to make a profit, but for someone else to pay for the venue.

The county may be able to negotiate some minimal profits for itself; interior signing and scoreboard ad revenue, but also naming rights.

Think Cameron County Chick-fil-A Convention Center or somesuch.

Yet, the lessee may insist on those advertising monies and that's not a deal breaker.  After all, they will incur heavy expenses in procuring talent, advertising events and paying staff.

The lessee will be responsible for maintenance and repairs with agreed upon maintenance protocols specified in the lease.

The lessee receives all money from ticket sales less local taxes.

The lessee is actually being paid for their knowledge and expertise.

They HAVE to know that, while Luis Miguel might sell out three consecutive nights, Tiny Tim might not sell 10 tickets.

The risk and reward is all theirs. 

The returns to the county and city would come in the form of sales taxes, hotel, motel, restaurant, service station and supermarket revenue, all monies coming into the area because of the entertainment venue.

Chuck Berry

Back in the 80's I was on the fringe of a city event in another state that had hired Chuck Berry as the headliner.

Mr. Berry had very straightforward conditions.

1. Provide a backup band familiar with Chuck Berry music.(Berry traveled light with only himself and a guitar.)

2. Provide a limousine to pick him up at the airport and return him to the airport after the event.

3.  Pay him $50,000 before he unpacked his guitar case.

The lessee will deal with artists more demanding than the late Chuck Berry, but Cameron County will profit from the hotel, restaurant and tourist revenue.