Event
Khalid, El Paso and the Don Haskins Center: Background for Readers
This item refers to a 2018 concert, so the show itself has long since passed. It is still a useful moment for service members and veterans with ties to the region, because El Paso and Fort Bliss have shaped a lot of military family life, and Khalid's story is part of that.
An artist with military roots
Khalid grew up in a military family. His mother served in the U.S. Army, and the family moved between duty stations, including time in Germany and New York, before settling in El Paso. He attended high school there. Many listeners who have lived the military-family life recognise something familiar in that background: frequent moves, new schools and the work of building friendships quickly. His early success made El Paso a point of pride, and a hometown performance carried extra meaning for local fans, including families connected to Fort Bliss.
About the venue
The arena on the University of Texas at El Paso campus is widely known as the Don Haskins Center. It is named after the coach who led Texas Western, as UTEP was then called, to the 1966 national basketball title. The arena hosts UTEP basketball, graduations and touring concerts. It is one of the larger indoor venues in the city.
Practical tips for future shows in El Paso
- Check the venue's or the university's official channels for current events and ticketing. Use authorised sellers only.
- Plan your parking and campus access ahead of time. University events can change traffic patterns.
- If you are stationed at Fort Bliss, allow time for gate traffic on event nights.
- Look into military discounts directly with official sellers rather than relying on third-party claims.
Recently transitioned or relocating to the area? Our resources and community pages cover ways to connect with local veteran networks. For more personal accounts of military-family life, see Service Stories.