Speech – Judge Jimmy Martinez

Good afternoon! Welcome to the Grand Opening Celebration for the Bee County Coliseum. As you know, we have a number of activities going on, including the Shriner Horse Show and barbeque which was held last evening here in our new arena, and today's events including mariachis, folklorico dancing, rodeo events, entertainment by churches, an invitational barbeque in the South Pavilion at 6:00, and free dancing with bands galore also at the South Pavilion tonight starting at 7:00 p.m. Tomorrow evening from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Our Lady of Victory and St. Joseph Churches will host bingo in the auditorium. We encourage you to continue enjoying the activities celebrating the opening of your coliseum.

The Bee County Commissioners Court and the citizens of Bee County have made a significant move to boost economic development in Bee County by doing a revitalization of our coliseum. We are confident that we will have a great number of tourists come to Beeville as a result of what we now have to offer, which will bring new jobs and outside dollars to our economy. As you can see, you have a state-of-the art arena, which we have been told has no comparison in South Texas, with facilities to handle the best and largest horse shows, rodeos, and other arena activities. In addition, your auditorium has been refurbished with new air conditioning, rest rooms, and other interior and exterior repairs and improvements, and your parking areas have been greatly expanded. You have a newly created position, our Bee County Coliseum Administrator Ms. Tani Mitchell, who has an outstanding background of experience in operating public venues such as this, and who plans to greatly increase the use of the coliseum for the entertainment and education of Bee Countians. She also will expand  participation in coliseum activities much beyond the boundaries of Bee County. We have more plans in mind for future improvements and additions to your Bee County Coliseum to make it the star of South Texas entertainment for the benefit of youth and all citizens. 

There have been a number of people who have been involved in the planning and carrying out the construction and remodeling of your Coliseum. I would like to sincerely thank those people, and give them recognition for making a significant contribution to the ongoing community and economic development of Bee County. I would like to thank all of the people who have helped in various ways, and especially the following:

          Your Bee County Commissioners, Ronnie Olivares, Carlos Salazar, Susan Stasny and Eloy Rodriguez.  Commissioner Ronnie Olivares has especially carried a heavy load in administering the coliseum activities over the last several months, and has personally assisted in all phases of the construction and remodeling of the Coliseum. Please recognize your Bee County Commissioners.

          Mr. Benito Perez and Mr. Mickey Peoples, your Coliseum maintenance staff, have devoted their interest and commitment and spent extra time and effort getting the buildings and grounds ready for use. Please recognize these folks for their extra time and effort.

          Mr. Bill Hooten, owner of Radio Station Kicker 106, has spent many hours acting as chairman of the planning group for all of the Grand Opening events, and has worked with all segments of the County to coordinate the events. Please recognize Mr. Bill Hooten.

          The Bee County Chamber of Commerce has been strongly supportive and helpful in the planning and execution of these Grand Opening events, including decorations, publicity and printing the programs. Please recognize Ms. Teresa Holland, the Executive Director of the Bee County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

          The Bee County Coliseum Advisory Board has worked diligently to recruit and screen applicants for the Bee County Coliseum Administrator, and has worked with various citizen planning groups, especially assisted by Mr. Bill Hooten, Mr. Joe Montez and Mr. Britt Villines, and Ms. Rosa Tapia, to plan for the new program of activities for the Coliseum. We thank this Board for their leadership. Please recognize the Chairman of the Coliseum Advisory Board, Mr. Donnie Montemayor, and Board members Nick Arredondo, Dale Delisse, Patsy Cano, and Paul Jaure.

          We would like to recognize the cooperation of the school districts and school superintendents, and the pastors of churches in Bee County in planning and participating in this event.

Others? (Perhaps the Arena architect and construction company, and Ryan?)

Charles Stone?  Yvonne Tourelles?

Thank you for attending this Grand Opening Ceremony for your new Bee Coliseum, and we hope you will feel like this is your home place for entertainment and education, and a place for our youth to participate in activities to help them grow into good citizens of Bee County.