The former Gulf Greyhound Park site in La Marque is due to undergo a transformation with the opening of a 12,000-seat concert venue early next year. The project's objective is to attract significant entertainment events in order to revitalize the region and promote local economic development.
LA MARQUE, Texas (AP) — The former Gulf Greyhound Park site is set to be transformed into a significant entertainment destination with the opening of a new 12,000-seat concert venue in La Marque early next year. The dilapidated structure, vacant since the park's closure in 2020, is currently being converted by developers.
The new venue is anticipated to be finished by the second quarter of 2024 and is already promoting further commercial development. Officials believe the concert arena will attract A-list entertainment and stimulate local business.
La Marque's appeal as a regional entertainment center will be bolstered by Jerome Karam, the developer behind the project, creating a "Las Vegas-style concert ground." The venue is a component of a broader redevelopment strategy for the 88-acre site, encompassing proposals for retail and restaurant spaces.
The Gulf Greyhound Park was once a favored destination for dog racing; however, it was forced to close due to a decline in revenue. The new concert venue is designed to revitalize the area and offer a venue for live performances of all genres. Karam observed that the building's seating capacity would place it in the same league as other significant venues in Greater Houston, including the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and the Toyota Center.
The site will host various events and activities in addition to concerts, all intended to engage the community and attract visitors from the adjacent areas. Local officials are sanguine that the venue will generate employment opportunities and promote economic expansion in La Marque.
The Karam team has secured initial retail leases for a portion of the property as construction continues, including fast-casual dining options such as McDonald's and Chipotle. These establishments are anticipated to enhance visitors' overall experience and complement the concert venue.
The project has garnered the backing of city officials, who have emphasized its potential to convert La Marque's gateway into a lively commercial district. The development is consistent with the region's overarching objectives to attract new enterprises and revitalize local infrastructure.
La Marque is on the brink of substantial expansion as it prepares to receive this thrilling new concert venue in 2024, with construction currently ongoing and plans for additional retail developments in the works.
