El Paso residents will see the city’s beloved landmark, the Star on the Mountain, bathed in blue light on Friday night, marking the arrival of Colombian pop sensation Karol G. The two‑day concert series at Sun Bowl Stadium is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and the lighting tribute is a joint effort by Live Nation and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce.
Local partnership highlights cultural growth
“The tribute recognizes the excitement surrounding her highly anticipated shows while highlighting El Paso’s growing presence as a destination for major live entertainment,” the El Paso Chamber said in a statement. The organization has a history of collaborating with Live Nation to change the star’s color for high‑profile events, turning it rainbow for Coldplay, purple for K‑pop group BTS, and gold and white for recent Usher and Chris Brown performances.
Karol G’s tour adds a new chapter
When Karol G announced her 2026 tour, which includes a stop in El Paso, the star’s color was briefly switched to orange as a preview. The upcoming blue illumination signals the city’s enthusiasm for her shows, which are expected to draw fans from across West Texas and neighboring New Mexico.
What fans can expect
Karol G, known for hits such as “Tusa” and “Bichota,” will perform a mix of her chart‑topping singles and new material from her latest album. The Sun Bowl venue, which seats roughly 50,000, will host a stage production featuring elaborate lighting, choreography, and a live band. Ticket prices range from $45 for general admission to $150 for premium seating.
Local businesses are already gearing up for the influx of visitors. Hotels along the downtown corridor report higher occupancy rates, and restaurants near the stadium anticipate a surge in reservations. The El Paso Chamber encourages attendees to explore the city’s dining and retail options, emphasizing the economic boost that major concerts bring to the community.
Community response
City officials and community leaders have praised the partnership, noting that the star’s lighting changes serve as a visual cue that El Paso is a vibrant cultural hub. “Events like this showcase our city’s ability to host world‑class talent while supporting local commerce,” said a spokesperson for the El Paso Chamber.
Fans taking to social media have expressed excitement, sharing photos of the star’s previous color changes and counting down the days until the blue lights appear. The anticipation reflects a broader trend of El Paso positioning itself as a regional entertainment destination.
Practical details
Concert doors open at 6 p.m. on both nights, with the main performance beginning at 8 p.m. Attendees are advised to arrive early to allow time for parking and security screening. Public transportation options, including the Sun Metro bus system, will run additional routes to accommodate concertgoers.
The blue illumination of the Star on the Mountain will be visible from most points in the city, offering a nightly reminder of the excitement building around Karol G’s shows. Residents are invited to enjoy the display, whether they attend the concerts or simply appreciate the city’s iconic symbol lighting up in support of the arts.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
