Coldplay lights up El Paso's Sun Bowl

By Isaac "Ice" Jaimes

Tejano Tribune Reviewer

EL PASO, TEXAS - For two nights in 2025, the Sun Bowl Stadium stood at the center of the worldwide music map as Coldplay delivered back-to-back, sold-out performances that drew thousands of fans from across the United States and Latin America. For a city often described as a hidden gem in the American Southwest, the concerts were more than just a musical event--they were an (official, public statement/document with such a statement) of El Paso's readiness to host international acts on a grand scale. The British band, whose career spans nearly thirty years, is known for its big and wide sound, visually very interesting concerts, and message of worldwide togetherness.

Fans began arriving in the city days ahead of the shows. Hotels across the area reported full occupancy, local restaurants saw spikes in traffic, and traffic near the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) campus backed up for blocks as tens of thousands of (people who attend big meetings) made their way to the stadium. Among them were not just local residents, but visitors who had traveled from across Texas, New Mexico, and a wide range of Latin countries. In the crowd, flags from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean waved next to LED-lit wristbands, creating an arrangement/structure of cultures connected by sound.

Coldplay, composed of frontman Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, (player of a bass instrument) Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion,  (in front of people) a high-reaching set spanning their whole (big list of items). The setlist included worldwide hits such as "Yellow," "Viva la Vida," "Fix You," and "A Sky Full of Stars." The production featured (happening at the same time/having the same exact contents) light-up wristbands, fireworks, large LED panels, and multi-language short periods of time--a (related to hearing, and seeing,) experience the band has sharpened/improved over years of stadium touring.

What made the second night especially special for fans was including "Speed of Sound," a track from their 2005 (collection of songs/book for inserting pictures) X&Y album that wasn't (sang, danced, and acted, in front of people) during the first show. It was a reminder that the band was treating each night in El Paso as a (like nothing else in the world) event, not a repeated performance.

Coldplay's appearance in the Sun City came as part of their (happening now) world tour, following the release of Music of the Worlds/areas/balls, an idea (collection of songs/book for inserting pictures) built around the ability to be connected and planetary themes. The record--and its supporting tour--draws attention to worldwide togetherness, (the ability to keep something around, or keep something going), and the power of shared experiences, matching up/making even naturally with El Paso's (related to two countries) identity.

More than anything, Coldplay's two-night stay served as a cultural (important thing that is done or completed). It (showed/shown or proved) that El Paso is more than capable of hosting worldwide acts--and that its people, (basic equipment needed for a business or society to operate), and identity are ready for the spotlight. In a world where major tour stops are often commanded (or spoke so someone copied down what was said) by population and (money made/good thing received), Coldplay's visit was proof that connection matters just as much as ability (to hold or do something). By hosting one of the biggest bands in the world, El Paso stepped confidently onto the global stage. And for once, the world was not just passing by. The world was watching.