Puerto Rico Opens New Entertainment Complex With Some Help From Luis Fonsi

It's hard to argue that Puerto Rico has an image problem. However, DISTRITO T-Mobile, the new entertainment complex in San Juan, is here to help create awareness and reposition the island as a top travel destination.

On Saturday night (August 14), the multi-sensory entertainment center, which is located next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center, made its grand opening to a crowd of VIP attendees, nationwide media and the very locals that helped bring the idea to life. At the center of the smoky-filled venue, which was conceptualized using New York City's Times Square as a reference point, several key players involved in the development took to the Popular Plaza area to speak on the project. With DISTRITO T-Mobile, they're ready to compete on a global scale.

"In celebrating the opening of DISTRITO T-Mobile, we share with the world our goal of revolutionizing the experience of how people enjoy and pursue new experiences in Puerto Rico, while maintaining the authenticity that makes our Island special," Federico Stubbe Jr., CEO of PRISA Group, developer and principal investor of DISTRITO T-Mobile, said of the initiative. "We've created a stunning entertainment complex that naturally injects the flavor and essence of local culture, traditions, and talent, for a global audience."

To pack a punch for the big launch, the center recruited Luis Fonsi to join in on the colossal celebration, which featured presentations, dancers and plenty of pyro. With a group of background dancers, the upcoming recipient of the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award performed mega-hits like "Despacito" and "Échame La Culpa," before the area exploded with confetti and lights. It was a flashy (and fitting) celebration for Fonsi as he and Mike Towers recently climbed to the top of Puerto Rico radio with their collaboration, "Bésame," but there was more than just glitz to the moment. There was dedication and perseverance as it marked an eight-year-long goal brought to life.

What's key in learning about DISTRITO T-Mobile is understanding its origin. Almost a decade ago, the originators of the center decided they wanted to hone in on the pride and strength of Puerto Rico, while simultaneously reflecting its authenticity. Their efforts resulted in a five-acre, tech-heavy entertainment center with twelve gastronomic concepts, as well as five additional experiences in entertainment and lodging for the enjoyment of Puerto Ricans and the island's visiting guests. Among those experiences include the 14,500 square feet of state-of-the-art LED screens, the Aloft Hotel, Caribbean Cinemas VIP Theaters, TORO VERDE Urban Park and the newest addition to the island's concert venue circuit: the 5,000 capacity Coca-Cola Music Hall. The entire hub also features custom murals and art installations made by local talent.

On the dining front, the venue offers several gastronomic concepts to choose from including the food hall market styled-Barullo Taberna Española, the Mexican centric-Lupe Reyes, the modern representation of Puerto Rican food at Sazón Cocina Criolla, La Burguesía and, most notably, La Central, coutesy of renowned Puerto Rican Chef Mario Pagán.

DISTRITO T-Mobile finds itself opening at a pivotal time as we hesitantly tiptoe out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 500,000 square-foot complex aims to help locals shine for the first time in a long time as the government invests more money into the island and they're ready to come back strong. Initially intended to open in April 2020, the plaza wants to push back on the challenges that Puerto Rico has faced in recent years like Hurricane Maria, the political unrest and the pandemic. For the island, that also means a direct improvement on the economic end and an uptick that Stubbe is banking on across all industries.

"Completing this complex project has required the joint effort of hundreds of companies and thousands of people who have persevered throughout many challenges alongside us. We are very proud of the great collaboration we have achieved in this project between private companies and governments of multiple administrations," Stubbe said about the development of the project. "This has and will contribute to an economic ecosystem, helping thousands of families and creating over 1,700 direct jobs in various industries: such as construction, entertainment, hospitality, gastronomy, and services, among others."

Meanwhile, Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, the island's non-profit destination marketing organization, was quick to point out that the new venue, as well as any other future tourism ventures, requires one core denominator across the board. "The opening of Distrito T-Mobile will propel Puerto Rico's positioning as a top destination for entertainment and events that cater to a global audience," Dean emphasized. "We are delighted to be working alongside our partners to continue offering unforgettable experiences that keep our Island’s special culture at the core, much like this complex has done in an exceptional way."