posted by:

TEXAS: Laredo/Current Residence

Laredo Travel Blog | Travelogue | Travel Journal

This has been the longest "trip" I've taken!! HA, I originally moved to Laredo, Texas in June of 2000 to attend school for a couple of years and transfer out... 8 years later, I'm still here and enjoying the culture more and more every year! Just some blogs and posts about my new home!

The hispanic people of the Laredo and south Texas region...

I find the native people of Laredo have a couple of various facets to them.  There's the proud mexican heritage, full of vibrant colors, food, and dance.  Living in South Texas for some 20 years now, you also get the opportunity to meet the multi-generational homes.  Bluntly, latin and hispanic homes easily contain 3 or more generations living under the same roof for decades.  Opposed to typical anglos that ship their elderly loved ones to retirement or senior-citizen homes.

I've noticed a matriarchy is predominant in many hispanic homes.  The mother and/or grandmother is the complete expectant home-maker.  She feeds and raises the children.  In many situations where the father is missing or not regularly around the home (for whatever reason), the matriarch becomes the provider and ultimate authority in all aspects of the home.

I particulatly grew up in a matriarch family unit...  between my grandmother, 6 aunts, and divorced mother...  there really wasn't much room for the men of the family beyond the bar/lounge.

I'll keep adding to this free-form writing later...  
Laredo's newest shining star -- your Laredo Entertainment Center
The stars have aligned at Laredo's new state-of-the-art entertainment facility. Come together for superstar concerts, spectacular family shows, world-class sporting events, and breathtaking ice shows.

Large or small, extravagant or simple, Cher or celebration, we make it all happen right here, right now. Be a part of Laredo's newest shining star -- your Laredo Entertainment Center.

History In The Making:: The Laredo Entertainment Center is a first class, state-of-the-art multipurpose facility developed by Arena Ventures LLC. This multi-use facility has introduced affordable, family-oriented entertainment to the South Texas and Northern Mexico markets, including major concerts, sporting events, family and ice shows, conventions, trade shows, and civic events.

During the late 1990s, businessman Glenn Hart made frequent business trips to Laredo and consistently took note of the city's tremendous growth. He also noticed that South Texas and Northern Mexico were missing a modern venue to attract sporting events, top name concerts and family shows. At the time, area residents had to drive two or more hours to the nearest entertainment facility. So in 1999, Hart and five businessmen formed Arena Ventures -- the organization that partnered with the City of Laredo -- to build a world-class entertainment facility.

The City of Laredo funded the $36.5 million project through a one-quarter percent sales tax increase that was approved by Laredo voters on August 12, 2000, with the facility's groundbreaking taking place in June 2001. The Laredo Entertainment Center was constructed in 15 months at a cost of $36.5 million. The economic impact to the local community will exceed $100 million dollars annually and generate hundreds of local jobs.

The facility's management company, SMG Management, oversees all aspects of the arena including operations, concessions, scheduling, ticketing, and marketing. SMG Management is the world's foremost leader in the private development and management of public assembly facilities, including stadiums, arenas, theaters and exhibition/convention centers. It has been in the management business for over 23 years. It presently manages 156 facilities worldwide.

With 32,000 square feet of continuous open floor space, the LEC has the largest indoor convention space in South Texas. The 178,000 square foot facility boasts a seating capacity of 10,000 with 14 luxury suites, six meeting rooms and a private club. The facility's luxury suites include concierge service, a television, and seating for twelve to fourteen people, among other amenities. The clubhouse level, which is on the same level as the luxury suites, features a bar overlooking the main floor.

On the north end of town, the LEC sits on 25 acres at Jacaman Road and Loop 20 -- property that Arena Ventures donated to the City of Laredo. Arena Ventures owns 35 additional acres around the site that is currently being developed with hotels, specialized retail stores and restaurants.
Laredo Entertainment Center
Laredo Entertainment Center
The place to Shop!
One of Laredo's most popular visitation sites is Mall del Norte. Mall del Norte offers fashion, fun and food for everyone with 7 department stores and over 150 shops and restaurants. Mall del Norte has it all, even a one-of-a-kind Kid's Play Area!

MAJOR STORES:
-Bealls
-Dillard's
-Macy's
-JCPenney
-Joe Brand
-Mervyn's
-Sears

Mall del Norte is a super regional shopping mall in Laredo, Texas. The mall opened in 1977 and has since been renovated in 1991, 1993 (expansion), and 2007.

It is located along Interstate 35 in the city's rapidly growing retail hub of town. Mall del Norte is 1,198,199 sq ft (111,316 m²).; with 148 stores, making it the largest mall in South Texas, and one of the largest malls in Texas overall. In 2007, as part of the renovations of the mall, Cinemark Theater 16 constructed where the former Montgomery Ward store was located. Other future renovations to come soon are a planned Barnes and Noble bookstore.

The mall is currently own by CBL & Associates Properties.
Macy's
jofustx says:
I've been working in and around this mall for years! Nice place, and it's finishing up the remodeling on the interior and exterior. The Cinemark is a great addition!
Posted on: Jun 17, 2008
You need to be logged in to leave comments and smiles. Becoming a member is free and easy — Join the TravBuddy Community!
Sponsored Links