Tag Archives: Freedom Crossing

A new gaming lounge as well as a veteran-owned Irish pub are the two newest additions to the post’s growing roster of tenants at Freedom Crossing.

According to mall officials, PLAYlive Nation and Happy’s Irish Pub have set up shop at the mall, and are just about ready for business.

Set to open June 8th is PLAYlive Nation, a gaming lounge featuring a premium gaming experience. The lounge also offers a wide selection of video games, collectible card games like Magic The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, as well as classic tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons and more.

“Once in the lounge, guests can choose to sit at any one of the luxurious reclining gaming stations powered by Xbox One gaming systems or sit at one of the powerful gaming PC rigs on site,” officials shared via a news release.

“PLAYlive Nation also caters to card and board game enthusiasts with events happening regularly plus a selection of cards, dice, and related merchandise for tabletop players.”

Visitors can take advantage of the All Day Passes and play until store close. Membership options are available for frequent visitors which offers discounted Game Time rates, Play Free time slots, and discounts on most items in the store.

Also set to open is Happy’s Irish Pub, the second location for the Louisiana-based Geaux Culinary, LLC in Partnership with Chad Hughes, venture.

While the original Happy’s sits in downtown Baton Rouge, as it has for nearly 15 years, Happy’s Fort Bliss location is the first combat veteran owned restaurant & pub to open on post.

Pub officials share that it was brought to the Texas army base to serve soldiers, military families and to engage the installation along with the greater Fort Bliss community.

“Happy’s heavily employs veteran’s, their spouses and dependents at our military locations and gives veterans the opportunity for ownership…our motto of, ‘whom better to serve us than us?’ is not a tag line, it is truly who we are.”

The cuisine at Happy’s Fort Bliss can be described as New American with Irish inspired spin-offs. The menu, designed by Army Veteran and White House Chef, Andre Rush includes dishes such as shepherd’s pie, fish & chips and burgers. Crafted cocktails and select beers from around the world are also featured on their menu.

For more information about Freedom Crossing, visit the mall’s website; for civilian rules and regulations regarding access to the mall, click here.

This weekend, it’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and head over to Fort Bliss as Freedom Crossing gears up for their annual Let Freedom Sing concert series.

MCA Nasville’s rising country star Clare Dunn will headline the Freedom Crossing promenade stage on June 2. The “One to Watch,” as dubbed by Rolling Stone, USA Today and Billboard is a fearless performer and plays lead guitar for her original songs.

“If there were ever an artist suited to play amphitheaters and arenas at this early stage of her career, it’s Clare Dunn, ” Rolling Stone said.

Supporting Dunn on the bill is country rocker Ashley McBryde who dubs herself as “an Arkansas red-clay badass, with the swagger of Hank Jr. and the songwriting of Miranda Lambert,” McBryde lays it all on the line.

El Paso’s own Valerie Ponzio will be warming up the stage with her latest song releases, making the first segment of Let Freedom Sing a “Ladies Night” to remember.

Over the last eight years, Freedom Crossing has hosted the free summer concert series, Let Freedom Sing that has included nationally acclaimed artists such as Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Blues Traveler, Gym Class Heroes, Karmin, John Michael Montgomery, Tyler Farr, Craig Morgan and, most recently, Naughty by Nature.

Early arrival is encouraged to enjoy the food and beverages available, avoid delays and get a great spot on the event lawn. No coolers or outside food and beverages permitted. Chairs permitted on concrete areas only.

To enter Fort Bliss during the event, drivers must show a valid U.S. Driver’s license or other U.S. Government issued ID at the Buffalo Soldier and Cassidy gates starting at 5:30 p.m. Freedom Crossing is located 1611 Haan Road on Fort Bliss.

For more information and directions to the concert, please visit the mall’s website or call 915-564-5311.

The Post was thick with hip-hop Saturday night as icons Naughty By Nature brought the beats to Fort Bliss.

Among the throngs who attended and put their hands in the air, like they did not care, was our very own Andres Acosta, who brings your his view of the concert in this ‘Story in Many Pics’

Kicking off year seven of their free concert series in 2017, Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss will host headliner Brett Young and openers Mitchell Tenpenny and Valerie Ponzio (NBC’s The Voice contestant) on Saturday, May 13 at 7pm.

Named one of Shazam’s “Emerging Artists of 2017,” Brett Young has captured the hearts of fans everywhere through his honest lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound, aptly dubbed “Caliville” style. “Destined for mass appeal” (Rolling Stone Country), Brett recently released his self-titled, debut album on BMLG Records February 10, 2017.

The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Steven Tyler) and features 11 of the 12 tracks co-written by Brett, including his debut No. 1 hit single “Sleep Without You.” The accompanying video has amassed over 14 million views since its release.

The follow-up single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” is currently being introduced to Country radio and has already hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

In addition to his own headlining dates, the California native was most recently on the road with Brad Paisley’s ‘Country Nation College Tour’ and will join Luke Bryan’s ‘Kill the Lights Tour’ and Justin Moore and Lee Brice for their ‘American Made Tour’  before heading out with Lady Antebellum’s ‘You Look Good World Tour 2017’.

Over the last seven years Freedom Crossing has hosted the free summer concert series, Let Freedom Sing that has included nationally acclaimed artists such as Lee Brice, Eli Young Band, Rodney Atkins, Jerrod Niemann, Blues Traveler, Gym Class Heroes, Karmin, John Michael Montgomery and, most recently, Tyler Farr and Craig Morgan.

Fans of Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss on Facebook will have a chance to win a meet and greet with Brett Young before the concert. Visit Freedom Crossing’s Facebook page for contest details.

The Let Freedom Sing Summer Concert Series, sponsored by Western Tech and GEICO is free and open to the public.

With Easter Sunday hoppin’ right around the corner, families won’t want to miss out on this trick-or-treat style Easter Egg Adventure on Good Friday (April 14.)

The event at Freedom Crossing on Fort Bliss is free of charge and open to the public with the egg distribution starting at 5:30pm and activities going on through 9pm.

Children can take part in a trick-or treat style egg hunt where they will collect complimentary eggs from participating stores in the shopping center. In addition, guests can enjoy games, arts and crafts and even a special appearance from the Easter Bunny himself in front of the Grand Theater.

The Crazy Cats oldies band will be performing at the fireplace from 7-9pm.

The Easter egg hunt participants will have a chance to win one of five Freedom Crossing Easter baskets by finding a “Prized Egg.” Only five Prized Eggs will be distributed and will include a message for the recipient.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early for parking. Activities will be scattered through the Promenade area and in the lawn near the theater. Most stores throughout the full center will be distributing eggs for egg-hunters.

To enter Fort Bliss during the event, drivers must show a valid U.S. Driver’s license or other U.S. Government issued ID at the Buffalo Soldier or Sheridan gates. Freedom Crossing is located 1611 Haan Road, Fort Bliss.

For directions and more information, visit Freedom Crossing’s Website.

A celebration of green, gold and good luck will take place March 16 through 18 on the grounds of Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss.

The year 2017 rings in the 6th anniversary for Shamrocks Irish Pub on March 16, located in the heart of the Promenade area of the shopping center.

Live music from Empyre Pipes and Drums and San Patricios will have guests shaking their shamrocks with closing sets by Jones and Miles and the Double Clutchers from New Mexico

On March 17 & 18, locals will enjoy the likes of Celtic musicians including the Adobe Brothers and The Singing Pilgrims. The Pilgrims will also host a children’s music workshop on Saturday. Smashburger and Buffalo Wild Wings will be hosting free children’s craft and activity stations while roaming leprechauns hand out gifts of gold-wrapped chocolate.

In addition to Irish tunes, Freedom Crossing will be hosting Gleewood a touring Americana band on the rise. AZ Dueling Pianos will be treating the St. Paddy’s Day crowd to a grand piano singalong guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.  And, by popular demand, the St. Paddy’s Fest will host the return Dusty Low, Wildflower, Reflections of Motown and DJ Darrin.

Guests can also enjoy authentic Irish food from Shamrock’s Irish Pub owned by Dublin native John Corran. The schedule of daily activities and band performances is available HERE.

 The festival and activities are free, open to the public and will not require a pass to enter Fort Bliss. To enter Fort Bliss during the event, drivers must show a valid U.S. driver’s license or other U.S. Government issued ID at the Buffalo Soldier, Chaffee or Sheridan gates. Freedom Crossing is located 1611 Haan Road,

For directions and more information, click HERE.

The post was rocking and rolling on Fat Tuesday, as Freedom Crossing celebrated Mardi Gras.  Our very own Andres Acosta was among the scores of revelers in attendance and he brings you the view of the festivities in this ‘Story in Many Pics.’

Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss will host a public Mardi Gras Celebration on Tuesday, February 28 from 5pm to midnight. This free event is open to the public and will take place outside on the Freedom Crossing promenade.

The party boasts authentic Mardi Gras vibes bringing in regional talent and tastes that will showcase the spirit of Bourbon Street and Brazil’s Carnival.

On the Bourbon Street stage, guests can expect performances from local blues legend Guitar Slim, who has opened up for Leon Russell, Robben Ford, John Lee Hooker and more.

Also joining the lineup is Paso del Norte Big Band, a 17-piece orchestra sounding in the New Orleans jazz culture with El Paso’s finest musicians. Adding to the Fat Tuesday funk, Mama Crystal and the Horns of Plenty are sure to roll out the best of New Orleans-style soul.

At the Masquerade stage, Freedom Crossing will feature a visual feast with extravagant performances by Samba Performers from Arizona. This ensemble of dancers radiate sheer energy and passion incorporating the beauty, grace, and spirit of authentic Brazilian Carnival culture.

Joining the stage will be Sol Studio performers performing a Capoeira demonstration followed by a drum show by Samba Batucada of El Paso. The stage will close out with “Fuego,” a regionally-famous fire show by southwestern fire dancers Odd-Lab.

Complimentary Mardi Gras beads, masks and instant photo booth prints will be made available to all guest while supplies last. The Beads team will also provide face painting, dancing stilt walkers & jesters, and arts and crafts for the kids until 10pm.

Chefs will provide the tastes of Louisiana at Shamrocks Pub on the Promenade, in addition to beignets from the Mini Donut Depot.

The complete schedule for this free event is listed below. Additional event information can be found online.  This event is sponsored by Western Technical College and GEICO Military.

It’s always a case of the belly blues after watching a reality TV cooking show, knowing it would take hours of prep and execution to barely come close to the creations of mouthwatering morsels I’d witnessed on screen.

This weekend though, these jealous taste buds will finally get their own slice of heaven with Freedom Crossing’s 5^th Annual Bliss, Brews and Que competition on October 7 and 8.

More than 50 teams from all parts of the USA will come together for the ultimate BBQ pit party in the backyard of Fort Bliss’ open-air shopping center Freedom Crossing.

The competition is officiated by the Kansas City Barbecue Society known as KCBS, or the largest competitive barbecue organization in the world with a membership of over 15,000 deep. That’s a whole lot of finger lickin’!

With prizes totaling over $18,000, BBQ chowhounds can expect record-breaking mouthwatering intensities. KCBS judges are certified trained and participate in a blind judging process, leaving flavor verdicts to the chops and schnozzle with an eye for presentation. Guests can also opt-in to the public “Soldier’s Choice” voting category by purchasing 10 voting chips for $8 from the Bliss, Brews & Que Info Booth. BBQ Teams with designated Soldier’s Choice voting boxes will be handing out samples to chip holders. Voting chips will be sold Saturday, from 12pm – 2pm at the Info Booth east of Buffalo Wild Wings near the floor chess game. The final chip count goes down at 3pm, following an awards ceremony for the entire competition at beginning at 6pm.

As if the smoke curls of a barbecue buffet spanning over 1,000 feet aren’t enough of a temptation tangle for the weekend, organizers have lined up a slew Southwest music artists, arts and crafts vendors and a bounty of beer selections.

The 2-day event is free and open to the public. Normally, Fort Bliss requires civilians to obtain a visitor’s pass but for this feast, they’ll make an exception. Only a valid driver’s license is required to enter.

There’s still time to enter the BBQ rivalry as a pro, novice or even a judge. Think you got what it takes? Application forms can be found on blissbrewsandque.com. The deadline is Wednesday, October 5 at 11:59pm.

One thing’s for sure: Barbecue makes everything better.

Schedule of Events:

Friday October 7th, 2016

Team check-in (all day long)

5:00 PM – 10:30 PM Event Open to the Public

Performing on Stage:

Austin Freeman

Double Clutchers

Rockabilly Strangers

Saturday October 9^th 2016            

Noon to 9:00PM- Event open to the public

Pro Competition- Ribs, Brisket, Chicken, Pork

Back Yard Competition- Chicken and Ribs

Dessert and Soldiers Choice Competition

Performing On Stage:

Pigeon Rustlers

Sorry About Your Sister

C W Ayon

Killer B Flats

6:00PM – Team Competition Awards Presentation