El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022: Brian Kennedy

EL PASO, Texas — Brian Kennedy was not an athlete, but sports were his passion.

A jack of all trades, Kennedy has worn many hats throughout his career.

From being a radio disc jockey, to a play-by-play announcer, and most recently a lawyer.

Kennedy’s greatest responsibility came as CEO of the El Paso Athletic Commission.

A position he held from 2003 to 2021.

Kennedy was in charge of organizing various events at the El Paso County Coliseum.

From concerts to sporting events, Kennedy has made the Colosseum an attractive venue for various acts.

He also gave a big boost to sports tourism in El Paso.

Thanks to the hard work of Kennedy and his team, hundreds of sporting events have taken place in the Borderland.

Figure skating, flag football, basketball, hockey, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, bull riding, cycling, triathlons, indoor soccer, slow pitch softball, cheerleaders and more.

Kennedy saw the potential of El Paso even when others thought it was impossible.

Kennedy was able to host a national bowling tournament at the El Paso Convention Center, and he managed to secure the Conference USA basketball tournaments in 2011 and then again in 2014.

With every major event Kennedy was able to bring to town, it was further proof that El Paso could compete with bigger cities for major events.

For his lifetime of work and accomplishments, Kennedy will be inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the athletics supporter category.

“I was shocked because I wasn’t nominated as an athlete,” Kennedy said. “I was nominated as a supporter and someone who has tried to help the sport in this city for decades. I’m honored to join some of my friends in the Hall of Fame.”

The induction ceremony will take place on June 22 and will be streamed live on kvia.com.