Updated: Thursday, April 17 2014, 09:48 PM MDT

By: Genevieve Curtis

EL PASO, Texas--If you build it, they will come. At least, that's what dozens of downtown businesses are banking on. The tight knit group of establishments is hoping their investment and commitment to downtown revitalization pays off once the Chihuahua crowds descend on Southwest University Park on April 28th.

When those crowds come, dozens of downtown businesses will have their doors open, waiting for their arrival.

"All of these business owners, these stakeholders, they are very much invested in this, not just because it's a great idea and it's great to bring people downtown but they are really, it's very personal to them. They have families. They have great expectations for it," said Rudy Vasquez the marketing communications director for the Downtown Management District. Thursday, they revealed their starting day roster, a line-up of businesses that will be going into extra innings with extended hours on Opening Day. Including: SoHo Cocktail Lounge, Sparrow's Spirits and Pies, Anson 11 and Tabla.

El Paso Chihuahuas game days guide

But beyond the first game, hours will be up in the air.

"That will vary from business to business. For every other game, they'll have to look at their staff and their response," said Vasquez. Almost 30 bars and restaurants plan to keep their doors open longer for the El Paso Chihuahua's debut and maybe for the games that follow. As it stands, public transportation options before and after the game are limited. Sun Metro's park and ride will drop off fans about an hour before the game and pick them up an hour after. "I think looking at that situation we have to remember there are hundreds of games that are going to happen, with that in mind, that might be the case for one game, you can go, enjoy the game, see what that experience is like and go home and you'll have other options other nights, maybe plan differently," said Vasquez. Sun Metro said if people want to get downtown even earlier they can opt for one of their regular routes.

But the transportation options for post-game are minimal. On its regular routes, Sun Metro departs downtown by about 10:15 p.m. Meaning, those who want to stay out for a night on the town will either have to cab it or drive. "Right now this is the options that are available to us think out of this it will evolve so there will be more options," said Vasquez. The Union Plaza area will feature a 'fun zone' for Opening Day, they'll be cornering off streets, serving food on the patio and there will be activities for kids. "I think there's a stigma that it's kind of like a club sector that's completely not the case there's great family activities," said Vasquez.

See the original post here:
Downtown businesses open doors for extra hours for Opening Day

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