BEAUMONT, Texas — When Ford Park first opened, Jefferson County officials had high hopes for the massive entertainment complex.
Spectra is the name of the company that manages Ford Park. The company bought the complex in 2017, but officials feel it won’t be easy to turn a profit.
Jefferson County taxpayers are helping pay their bills.
County officials had high hopes for the complex when it opened. Now they feel that the complex is irrelevant.
Jefferson County Tax Inspector Patrick Swain said, “It’s not profitable. It’s a loss every year.”
As the Jefferson County Tax Auditor, Swain oversees the money going in and out of Ford Park.
“The predictions when it was first planned were much more favorable,” Swain said.
County officials feel the complex is more like a gold pit than the gold mine they were hoping for.
“The county subsidized about $34 million during that time, so we’re averaging about $1.5 million a year,” Swain said.
$1.5 million includes event costs, staff salaries and electricity bills. All of these are tax-funded.
“There is another cost that is not included as part of that subsidy, which is debt payments to build Ford Park, which averages about $4.5 million a year,” Swaine said. say.
Claudio Oliveria manages the park through Spectra. He admits he has challenges.
“We are behind a big market in Houston,” says Oliveria.
Oliveria is looking to turn things around for Ford Park and Spectra.
“We have been able to improve our attendance every year. We have purchased many events for the first time at Beaumont,” says Oliveria.
Jefferson County Judge Jeff Brahnik thinks oil and gas growth in southeastern Texas will help as well.
Judge Brahnik said, “I think the exhibition halls in particular need to dress up a bit more. These jobs will generate salaries that generate disposable income.”
Swain said the commissioner is discussing adding more sports fields and is still considering selling the park.
“Right now our focus is on the present. If things change at some point, we’ll look at it, but we have 221 acres. There’s enough stuff here to keep us busy. There is,” said Oliverias.
There is no formal buyer for Ford Park, but county officials said they are looking for the right person to lend a hand.
