It opened on May 21, 1942[4] and was built originally to support a rodeo and livestock show, but later expanded to cater other types of events.

In addition to events, the Coliseum was also used to temporarily house prisoners of war, braceros and the Texas State Guard.

[15][16] The original plan for the building, which was backed by El Paso County, and could be supported by a Public Works Administration (PWA) grant, estimated that it would cost $100,000.

[23] The building was dedicated on May 21, 1942 in a party that drew local farmers and El Paso business people together for a barbecue dinner that also celebrated "Cotton Week.

[18] The event featured actors playing characters such as "King Cotton," Uncle Sam and "Miss America" who would be escorted by military color guard from Fort Bliss.

[32] In 1944, El Paso City Council proposed additional civic programs for the Coliseum as the building had not been making a profit.

[39] In 2001, renovations on the Coliseum began which included adding more restrooms, access for people with disabilities and a meeting room.

[40] Urban Associates began additional renovations in January 2003 that was projected to cost $6.7 million and include new heating and cooling, improved seating, new concession stands, new roofing and more.

[42] In 2020, El Paso was the winner of Kraft Hockeyville USA, winning $150,000 in rink upgrades and $10,000 worth of new equipment.

[43] February 11, 2019, President Donald J. Trump came to visit El Paso as a follow-up to his State of the Union address the week before.