the city of laredo funded the $36.5 million project through a one-quarter percent sales tax increase that was approved by laredo voters on august 12, 2000, with the facility's groundbreaking taking place in june 2001. the facility opened in october 2002. with 32,000 square feet of continuous open floor space, the sames auto arena has the largest indoor convention space in south texas. the 178,000 square foot facility has a seating capacity that can be expanded up to 9,622 for concerts, with 14 luxury suites, six meeting rooms and a private club.