Travel North

Within the Valley, there are certain "hot spots" for the performing arts.

Almost- sadly- needless to say, Brownsville is not one of them. And I've never quite understood why. When comparing populations, Brownsville has one of the largest, fastest-growing populations in the Valley and quite possibly the state. So why aren't there more opportunities for the art audience?

The closest we have to a large venue is the Jacob Brown auditorium (with the exception of the new UTB Performing Arts Center- which is still not ready for use) and maybe one could consider the Brownsville Events Center but both venues are in high demand and reserving the use for either one requires being put on a long waiting list. Outside of those two, the only thing bigger would be the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, not even within city limits.

Say a good performer or group came to the Valley. Chances are they'd land and perform in Hidalgo or maybe McAllen which is even further from Brownsville. Then one would have to consider the cost of admission but the cost of transportation and gas since it is outside of the city.

Yes, we may be the furthest away from everything, being so far south, but does that mean there is not a want and need for the same quality performances? People in Brownsville may not even know what they're missing if they're not exposed, so how can they be enticed to attend an event if there's a traveling prerequisite?