Fort Bliss plans New Year’s Eve events on post [El Paso Times, Texas]

Dec. 30--Fort Bliss is offering a slate of events to help soldiers, their families and El Pasoans bring in the new year. They can choose from a pre-Hyundai Sun Bowl brunch, bowling, bingo and other activities.

If you're going to the nation's second-oldest bowl game, you can start with the annual Sun Bowl Brunch at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Centennial Club, 11199 Sergeant Major Blvd.

You need to have a ticket to the Sun Bowl game between Utah and Georgia Tech to attend the brunch. Hot and cold breakfast items will be served. Morning cocktails such as champagne, mimosas and Bloody Marys are included.

Those who attend the brunch will also receive a free ride to and from the game on buses provided by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

"You can kick off the day's activities and save the hassle of driving to the game," said Bill Ketcherside, chief of marketing and special events for MWR.

"We have regulars who come out every year for this," Ketcherside added. "It's a good chance to see people you may not have seen all year."

Kickoff will be at noon.

Afterward, those who attended the brunch and game will be dropped off back at the Centennial Club. You can stay for a New Year's Eve bingo if you want. Admission includes a bingo packet, dinner buffet and a champagne toast at 10 p.m. to bring in the new year on the East Coast. There are $2,000 in cash prizes, Ketcherside said.

Child care is available nearby at the Milam Child Development Center.

Meanwhile, Desert Strike

Lanes, 2949 Carter, will have a New Year's Eve Bowling Blowout.

There will be pre-party specials from 8 to 10 p.m. You can enjoy unlimited bowling from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for $8 a person.

All three MWR events are open to soldiers, their families, retired military, civilian employees at the post and the El Paso public.

"We want to provide safe alternatives for the Fort Bliss community," Ketcherside said.

Freedom Crossing, an open-air shopping center on West Bliss, will also get into the act. There will be a free outdoor concert at 6 p.m. today as part of its weekly Friday by the Fire series.

Saturday, Buffalo Wild Wings and Shamrock's Irish Pub will both have parties.

"We have something for families as well," said Danaria Farris McCoy, spokeswoman for Freedom Crossing. "We have some family-friendly restaurants, our movie theater and an outdoor play area."

Freedom Crossing is open to the public, except for the Exchange and the commissary.

Make plans for on-post fun

Brunch

-- The annual Sun Bowl Brunch will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Centennial Club, 11199 Sergeant Major Blvd.

-- The cost is $13.95 for adults, $6.95 for children age 7 to 11 and children 6 and younger are free.

-- You need a ticket to the game to attend. Free transportation to and from the game.

-- Reservations required.

-- Information: 744-8427 or 562-5969.

Bingo

-- New Year's Eve bingo will be at the Centennial Club with $2,000 in guaranteed cash prizes.

-- The cost is $50 and includes a bingo packet, dinner buffet and a champagne toast at 10 p.m.

-- Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

-- Information: 744-8427 or 562-5969.

Child care

-- Child care will be available at the Milam Child Development Center, 11896 Haan Road, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

-- Reservations required. Cost is $4 per hour per child. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services.

-- Information: 744-7879.

Bowling

-- New Year's Eve Bowling Blowout will be at Desert Strike Lanes, 2949 Carter.

-- Preparty specials from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Unlimited bowling from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., $8 per person.

-- Party favors will be given to the first 100 people; free snacks.

-- Information: 568-6272.

Freedom Crossing

-- Freedom Crossing, Haan and Pleasonton roads on West Bliss.

-- Open to the public, except for the Exchange and the commissary.

-- Buffalo Wild Wings and Shamrock's Irish Pub will have New Year's Eve parties. Buffalo Wild Wings' event will go from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and it will feature a DJ and drink specials. No cover. The party at Shamrock's gets started in the afternoon and will last until 2 a.m. No cover.

-- No special events are planned for New Year's Day. The mall will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on New Year's Day; individual stores may vary.

Details

-- If you're coming from off post, you need to enter through the Cassidy, Robert E. Lee or main Biggs gates.

-- You'll need to show a driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

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