𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 "𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐒" 𝐖𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐅 𝗪𝗘 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑

 

Collage of photos published by Delcia Lopez of The Monitor

As fans of alt-indie band The Marías packed the McAllen Convention Center for two sold-out shows earlier this week, many Brownsville residents are asking a simple question: "Why not in our town?"

The buzz surrounding The Marías’ electrifying performances, originally scheduled for one night but expanded due to overwhelming demand, has sparked renewed interest in a long-overdue conversation: Brownsville’s need for a modern, multipurpose convention center capable of attracting major entertainment acts, sporting events, and conventions.

In 2023, a proposal for a 10,000-seat arena was defeated at the ballot box, with voters rejecting the measure by a 61-39 margin. Many observers argue the project wasn’t adequately presented to the public, that voters were unwilling to shoulder higher taxes without being presented a compelling vision.

Over two decades ago, Laredo, despite being only slightly larger than Brownsville, built a 10,000-seat convention center, originally funded by a quarter-cent sales tax, roughly the same monies Brownsville used to fund GBIC and BCIC. The $36.5 million Laredo Energy Arena (LEA) now generates an estimated $100 million annually for the local economy and supports hundreds of jobs.

More than just a building, the LEA has brought world-class entertainment to South Texas, hosting global stars like Shakira, Elton John, Cher, and Juanes, along with events ranging from WWE matches to family shows like Disney on Ice. It also serves as home to the Laredo Bucks hockey team and regularly accommodates trade shows, civic events, and regional sports tournaments.

Critically, Laredo’s arena is not operated by city officials but managed by ASM Global (formerly SMG), a professional venue management firm overseeing more than 300 venues worldwide. Advocates say this private management model is crucial for success, ensuring that bookings, operations, and concessions are handled with expertise, not politics.

The contrast with Brownsville is striking. While the city did invest heavily in a sports park years ago, many now believe that a convention and performance arena would have provided greater cultural and economic returns. For example, McAllen’s recent hosting of "The Marías" drew fans from across the Valley, some arriving hours early and braving the summer heat just to be part of the experience. It's a testament to the region’s hunger for live music and shared cultural moments.

Led by Puerto Rican-born singer María Zardoya, "The Marías" are known for their genre-blending style and bilingual appeal. Their return to the Rio Grande Valley, even as their star rises internationally, did not go unnoticed by local audiences and is a reminder that Brownsville lacks a venue for this kind of entertainment. 

For Brownsville to become a cultural hub, not just a spectator to neighboring cities’ success, the community may need to revisit the idea of a convention center. Done right, with professional management and smart financing, it could open the door to artists like "The Marías" and countless others.

Laredo Energy Center