City of Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex Grand Opening Held July 1
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2021
The City of Eagle Pass City Council, together with the guest of honor, Mrs. Patsy Winn, invited guests and citizens from all corners of the state of Texas, celebrated the grand opening of its $16 million sparkling jewel, the City of Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex, on Thursday, July 1, 2021, on 124 acres donated by the C. C. and Patsy Winn family for the development and construction of a state of the art multi-sports complex in Eagle Pass, Texas.
The almost three year sports complex project finally came to fruition thanks to the philanthropic generosity of the Winn family and the vision and perseverance of three different Eagle Pass Mayors and City Council in collaboration with City Administration, general contractor Hella Construction, local subcontractors, and local sports enthusiasts and promoters.
On September 25, 20218, the City Council approved the issuance of $32 million in Certificates of Obligation for several projects, including $16 million for the Sports Complex. The City celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony on December 3, 2019 and worked diligently on the project until its final completion on June 30, 2021.
A beautiful blue sky with clouds and a bright sun greeted the guests to the July 1, 2021 Grand Opening ceremony of the City of Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex, ideal weather for the historic grand opening of the finest multi-sports complex on the Texas-Mexico border and South Texas.
The Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex features six baseball and softball fields, a regulation size football field, soccer fields, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, a water splash area, and a hike and bike trail around the perimeter of the 124 acres complex.
Mistress of Ceremonies for the Grand Opening was Eagle Pass Marketing and Tourism Director Aide Castano. Invited guests featured Mrs. Patsy Winn and her children, grandchildren, and nephews and nieces as well as Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr., Mayor Pro-Tem Yolanda P. Ramon, City Council Members William Davis, Elias Diaz, and Monica J. Cruz and former Mayors Ramsey English Cantu and Luis E. Sifuentes, former City Council Member Rudy Villalpando, and Eagle Pass-Maverick County Economic Development Alliance President Morris Libson.
Pastor Brian Cisneros of the Access Church gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by members of Boy Scouts Troop 288 of Eagle Pass, and the National Anthem was presented by Amanda Lee Martin.
Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. welcomed Mrs. Patsy Winn and her family, guests, and local citizens to the monumental grand opening ceremony of the much anticipated City of Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex. Salinas stated the Sports Complex would not have been possible but for the philanthropic generosity of the Winn family’s donation of the 124 acres. He presented a brief biography of Mrs. Patsy Winn and her family, particularly the many years they lived in Eagle Pass and their continued business investment and commitment to the community. He thanked Mrs. Patsy Winn and family for their support and generosity. He also thanked past Mayors Cantu and Sifuentes and City Council members and City employees for working tirelessly on the project.
Also making brief statements at the podium were Mayor Pro-Tem Yolanda P. Ramon, City Council Members William Davis, Elias Diaz, and Monica J. Cruz, former Mayor Ramsey English Cantu, City Manager George Antuna, City Parks and Recreation Director George Sanchez, City Parks and Recreation Supervisor Ricky Gutierrez, and a special appearance by new City of Eagle Pass Mascot, Goldie the Golden Eagle.
Mayor Salinas also presented a City Council Proclamation to Parks and Recreation Director George Sanchez proclaiming July 2021 as National Parks and Recreation Month.
The highlight of the grand opening ceremony was the introduction of the guest of honor, Mrs. Patsy Winn, who was introduced by Aide Castano. Mrs. Winn was accompanied by her son, C. A. Winn, at the podium and greeted everyone present at the grand opening and stated “I am so excited and happy to be here to help celebrate this beautiful facility that I know we are going to enjoy for many years to come….” “I feel blessed to play a small part.”
Mrs. Winn added that what follows next is up to the people of Eagle Pass to “open up your hearts of kindness, acceptance, and compassion…” She added ‘I have so many heartfelt sentiments about each one of you and I just know that you are going to put all you have to make this facility wonderful for all the youth to come.”
Mrs. Winn emphasized that “It is not the streets and buildings that makes up a City, it is the people. Simply put, we fell in love with the people of Eagle Pass….and learned that ‘Mi casa es su casa.’”
Winn stated “It is my hope and prayer that the same love that you have shown to the Winn family throughout the years will be covered by God’s love. His abiding love to bless and make everyone who traverses these grounds and it will be a powerful force in the development of the body, soul, and spirit of every kid, every man, woman, and individual regardless of gender or ethnicity. For that reason, I feel bold enough to ask God’s blessing on the Sports Complex. I ask God to bless the wonderful people of Eagle Pass and God Bless America.”
Guests gave a standing ovation to the honorary guest, Mrs. Patsy Winn, on her heartfelt and genuine love for the community of Eagle Pass upon completion of her speech.
Following Mrs. Winn’s speech, she and her family and guests proceeded to the official Grand Opening ribbon cutting of the sparkling City of Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex.
The Grand Opening ceremony would not have been complete with the official throwing of the first ceremonial pitch in the new Sports Complex by none other than Mrs. Patsy Winn, who threw a perfect strike.
Following the Grand Opening ceremony, guests were treated to refreshments and food, tours of the Eagle Pass Patsy Winn Sports Complex, and enjoyed catching up with old and new friends at the event.
