On Tuesday, the Amarillo City Council approved a rezoning ordinance allowing expanded alcohol sales at the Netplex, passing with a 3-2 vote. This marks the second consecutive approval of the measure by the same margin. Mayor Cole Stanley and Councilmember Tim Reid cast the dissenting votes in both readings.
The ordinance permits the Netplex property to pursue additional alcohol permitting options while maintaining its existing sports and event functions. Under the new zoning, the sale of alcoholic beverages would be linked to the property’s continued use as a sports facility. City officials emphasized that the measure does not require alcohol to be sold at all events but provides facility operators with flexibility to offer beverages during certain tournaments, adult leagues, or special events.
The Amarillo Netplex, which hosts tournaments, leagues, and other special events throughout the year, is widely recognized for its focus on youth athletics. That focus contributed to public discussion and disagreement during the council’s consideration of the rezoning request. Several residents spoke during the council meetings, voicing concerns about the potential presence of alcohol in an environment frequented by children and families. Additional opposition cited the facility’s proximity to a nearby daycare as a factor in evaluating safety and appropriateness.
Supporters of the ordinance, including representatives for the Netplex, argued that the expanded alcohol options would not apply to every event. They noted that the change is intended to allow greater flexibility for adult-focused events and special gatherings that may benefit from offering expanded food and beverage options. The facility already houses a Mexican restaurant that sells alcohol for on-site consumption under current regulations, and the rezoning would enable similar offerings for other designated events.
Council deliberations reflected these differing perspectives. Proponents highlighted the economic and operational flexibility that could result from the rezoning, while opponents emphasized concerns about public safety and the impact on the facility’s family-friendly reputation. Ultimately, the ordinance passed both required readings with identical 3-2 votes.
The conditional nature of the rezoning aims to prevent the property from being used for unrelated commercial activities in the future. City officials underscored that the measure is not a blanket approval for alcohol sales but instead creates a regulated option tied specifically to the facility’s ongoing sports and event functions.
As a result of the council’s approval, the Netplex will now have the ability to seek expanded alcohol permits for certain events while continuing to operate as a sports and recreational venue. Residents and city officials will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes to ensure that operations remain consistent with community standards and the family-focused nature of the facility.
