New multi-use arena on Cameron County ballot

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For a third time, Cameron County residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against the development of a new multi-use arena.

The proposition will be listed as Proposition A on the May 3 election. It's been voted on twice before.

Back in November 2021, it missed approval by 67 votes.

Cameron County officials pushed for it again in May 2022, but it ultimately lost by 200 votes.

"We know that quality of life, the ability to enjoy events with your family and with your friends and bring in tourists, bring in more attractions, bring in more visitors is something that's only going to continue to benefit," Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino said. "I think the people of Cameron County should have the same quality of life and amenities as everybody else."

Judge Trevino said he's been pushing for a new arena to be built in the area since back when he was the mayor of Brownsville. He said the use of an indoor arena is something the lower Valley has been lacking.

The multi-use venue would be used for sporting events, concerts, graduations, conventions, theatre and more according to Judge Trevino.

The venue project would be partially funded by the county's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). The HOT tax was approved by voters during an election in 2016. It allows for a 2% additional tax to be collected from anyone who stays at any business considered a hotel in Cameron County.

Minerva Simpson is a Cameron County resident who believes the Hotel Occupancy Tax could be better spent on improving infrastructure within the county.

"We have so many other issues that we are facing in Cameron County because everything is coming this way," Simpson said. "Entertainment should be the last thing our county leaders are thinking about. They should be thinking about infrastructure."

The proposed arena has a price tag of roughly $175-250 million. Judge Trevino said a proposed location has already been identified as part of a master planned community development in north Brownsville.

Simpson believes that because the venue would be located in Brownsville, it should be voted on by Brownsville residents.

"That whole venue, that whole arena is in the city limits of Brownsville. Let it be a Brownsville project, not a county project," Simpson said. "Let the city, let the citizens of Brownsville decide if they want it because they're the ones that are going to benefit from it the most, not the rest of us in Cameron County."

Judge Trevino said the arena would be beneficial to local high schools in the area and to the UTRGV Brownsville campus for indoor graduations.

If approved, Judge Trevino said the arena could take two to four years to be built.

Cameron County residents can vote for Proposition A from April 22 to April 29 during early voting.

Residents can also vote on Election Day, which falls on May 3.