Explore Odessa Texas-Newcomers/Visitors Guide 2024-25 by Digital Publisher

TEXAS

Oil and gas industry fuels Permian Basin’s economy ECONOMY

Odessa and West Texas, which experienced record-breaking growth and population over the past five to seven years according to Renee Earls, IOM, President/CEO, Odessa Chamber of Commerce, continues to thrive.

The oil and gas economy has an important role in the economy here.

“We saw new businesses come online and welcomed a large number of transient workers who called Odessa their new home. Industries were at peak productivity, and economists saw this growth and boom lasting well into the future,” said Earls, who has served the chamber since 2016.

When COVID hit in 2020 however, things changed Earls explained.

“No one was prepared for the impact of COVID-19 and the downturn in the economy,” she said. “Our unemployment went from the lowest to the highest across Texas. That number continues to decline, but we still don’t have enough employees to fill jobs we have open. We are slowly building back up. Odessans are resilient, and our ability to handle the ups and downs of our economy probably better prepared our community for this unprecedented time.”

The Permian Basin has a long history with oil when drilling began in the 1920s. Production started to increase with the use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, according to ArescoTX.com’s article, The History of Permian Basin Oil.

Odessa, a small ranching and farming town, discovered oil in 1926, and by 1930 was an established oil center.

The article reported that in 1940, the world-wide event, “Little International

Oil Show” premiered at the Odessa, which was considered a boomtown by then. During World War II, there was a pause, but by 1950, oilmen revived the project. It continued to grow, and the name was changed to The Permian Basin International Oil Show. In 2023, this show, held in October, is scheduled to have more than 750 oil and gas

related companies exhibiting in 1,200 spaces. It is one of the largest Petroleum Expositions in the world today, the article stated.

Earls said energy impacts every business in the community. Odessa is home to all types of business including manufacturing, distribution, hospitality, retail, financial, healthcare, education and others. Oil and gas are vital to the community.

Said Earls: “We have a saying in Odessa: ‘We are ALL in the oil business in Odessa.’ We welcome diversification of all types, and we’ve seen some of that over the years. All of those businesses also rely on the main economic driver for our area, and that is mainly oil and gas, with wind and solar also part of the energy mix.

“The future is bright for the Permian Basin and our Odessa Chamber is proud to lead the way.” Renee Earls, Odessa Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

“I began serving as a chamber volunteer in the early 1990’s when I chaired the original ‘Buy the Basin’ campaign, which focused on buying local,” she said. “Ironically, we brought that campaign back to life recently as it became so apparent that our locally-owned businesses are what make this community thrive.

“I served on the chamber board for several terms and had the privilege of Chairing the Board of Directors in 2010. My longtime involvement in the chamber and my absolute love for my hometown enabled me to take on this staff position. I believe I have the best job, and I am honored to promote Odessa each and every day. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

The Permian Basin’s history with the oil industry dates back about a century, when drilling began in the 1920’s.

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First producing oil well in 1926 sparked Odessa’s growth

In West Texas when the railroad was charted by Congress in 1871 to build a line from Marshall, TX, to El Paso, it was inevitable that Odessa would become part of the future of the area.

By 1881, Milepost 296 became Odessa, where Texas and Pacific Railroad crews pitched camp. The property was then sold to the Odessa Land and Townsite company.

The naming of Odessa from local legend credits the name to a Native American princess who wandered into the railroad camp. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the name came from railroad workers who believed the region closely portrayed Odessa, Ukraine, their home.

By 1885, C.W. Rathburn became the first postmaster, and in 1886, the center of original townsite of 300 acres became the downtown. The county seat in Ector County was then formally organized in 1891 becoming incorporated as a city in 1927 with the first mayor, S. R. McKinney.

It was a small community in 1926 when the first producing oil well brought in on the W.E. Connell ranch outside of Odessa. With a limited 20 barrels a day production, it led to the opening of the Penn Field in 1929 and Cowden field in 1930.

Bit by bit, the town grew.

Before oil was discovered, the population was 750, and by 1929, it had risen to 5,000. By World War II, Odessa grew to over 10,000 becoming the world’s largest petrochemical complex.

It didn’t take long for the population to grow over 80,000 throughout the 1950s and 1960s as the Petrochemical Complex, a joint venture of El Paso Natural Gas Company and General Tire and Rubber Company, started operations. This was the nation’s first privately financed plant to use waste products from gas and oil production to make synthetic rubber.

Odessa became a major distribution and processing point in the petrochemical

industry. Additional companies and plants joined the Complex which produced a wide array of petrochemical products, ranging from Shell Oil to Rexene, American Cryogenics, South West Cryogenics and Beaunit Corporation.

Over the years, Odessa has made a name for itself with talented high school football teams, Odessa College, the University of Texas Permian Basin, Medical Center Hospital, Odessa Regional Hospital and the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population was over 114,000 in April 2020.

SCHOOLS

Charter Schools

Compass Academy Charter School........................................(432) 272-1836

5530 Billy Hext Rd., Odessa www.mycompassacademy.com

Harmony Science Academy –Odessa......................................(432) 363-6000

2755 N. Grandview Ave., Odessa www.hsaodessa.org

IDEA Public School...................(432) 247-8700

7300 E. Yukon Rd., Odessa ideapublicschools.org/regions/permian-basin/ Richard Milburn Academy.........(432) 614-1859

2419 N. County Rd., Ste. 100, Odessa www.rmaschools.org

Private Schools

Adinvita School of Design Thinking ....................................(432) 305-9566 5101 Twin Towers, Odessa www.adinvita.org

Bynum School ...........................(432) 520-0075

5100 Avalon Dr., Midland www.bynumschool.org

First Odessa Christian Academy ..................................(432) 339-0770

709 N. Lee Ave., Odessa www.firstodessaacademy.org/ Holy Cross Catholic High School ..............................(432) 897-1803

4014 N. County Rd. 1160, Midland www.holycrosschs.org

Odessa Christian School ..........(432) 362-6311

2000 Doran Dr., Odessa www.odessachristian.org

Premier High School Odessa....(432) 295-9162

1801 N. Lee Ave, Odessa www. www.premierodessa.net/ St. John’s Episcopal School .....(432) 337-6431

401 N. County Rd. W, Odessa stjohnsodessa.com

Trinity School of Midland .........(432) 697-3281

3500 W. Wadley Ave., Midland www.trinitymidland.org

Higher Education

Odessa College ........................(432) 335-6400

201 W. University Blvd., Odessa www.odessa.edu

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center .......................(432) 703-5133

800 W 4th Street, Odessa www.ttuhsc.edu

UT Permian Basin .....................(432) 552-2020

4901 E. University Blvd., Odessa www.utpb.edu

A list of the schools are as follows:

ECISD- Pre-K

Carver Early Education Center

Phone: (432) 456-1069

Fax: 432-456-1068

600 College Odessa, TX 79761

Lamar Early Education Center

Phone: (432) 456-1159

Fax: 432-456-1158

501 Lettie Lee St. Odessa, TX 79761

ECISD- Elementary

Austin Montessori Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1029

Fax: (432) 456-1028

901 N. Lee Ave.

Odessa, TX 79761

Blackshear Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1279

Fax: 432-456-1278

501 S. Dixie Blvd. Odessa, TX 79761

Blanton Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1259

Fax: 432-456-1258

4101 Lynbrook Ave. Odessa, TX 79762

Buice Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1339

Fax: 432-456-1338

1800 E. 87th St. Odessa, TX 79765

Burleson Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1039

Fax: 432-456-1038

3900 N. Golder Odessa, TX 79764

Burnet Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1049

Fax: 432-456-1048

3511 Maple Odessa, TX 79762

Cameron Dual Language Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1059

Fax: (432) 456-1058

2401 W. 8th St. Odessa, TX 79763

Cavazos Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1309

Fax: 432-456-1308

9301 W. 16th St. Odessa, TX 79763

Dowling Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1079

Fax: 432-456-1078

1510 E. 17th St. Odessa, TX 79761

E.K. Downing Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1319

Fax: 432-456-1318

1480 N. Knox Odessa, TX 79763

G.E. Buddy West Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1329

Fax: 432-456-1328

2225 W. Sycamore Dr. Odessa, TX 79763

Gale Pond Alamo STEAM Academy

Phone: (432) 456-1019

Fax: 432-456-1018

801 E. 23rd St. Odessa, TX 79760

Goliad Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1109

Fax: 432-456-1108

501 E. 52nd Street Odessa, TX 79762

Gonzales Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1119

Fax: 432-456-1118

2700 Disney St. Odessa, TX 79761

Hays STEAM Academy

Phone: (432) 456-1129

Fax: 432-456-1128

1101 E. Monahans St. Odessa, TX 79761

Ireland Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1149

Fax: 432-456-1148

4301 Dawn Ave. Odessa, TX 79762

Johnson Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1289

Fax: 432-456-1288

6401 Amber Dr. Odessa, TX 79762

Jordan Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1299

Fax: 432-456-1298

9400 Rainbow Dr. Odessa, TX 79765

Milam Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1169

Fax: 432-456-1168

640 College Avenue Odessa, TX 79761

Murry Fly Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1269

Fax: 432-456-1268

11688 W. Westview Dr. Odessa, TX 79764

Noel Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1249

Fax: 432-456-1248

2200 Newcomb Dr. Odessa, TX 79764

Pease Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1179

Fax: 432-456-1178

1800 W. 22nd St. Odessa, TX 79763

Reagan Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1189

Fax: 432-456-1188

2321 E. 21st St. Odessa, TX 79761

Ross Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1199

Fax: 432-456-1198

4600 N. Everglade Odessa, TX 79762

Sam Houston Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1139

Fax: 432-456-1138

300 E. 37th St Odessa, TX 79762

San Jacinto Elementary Phone: (432) 456-1219

Fax: 432-456-1218

1000 W. 19th St. Odessa, TX 79763

Travis Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1229

Fax: 432-456-1228

1400 S. Lee Odessa, TX 79761

Zavala Elementary

Phone: (432) 456-1239

Fax: 432-456-1238

1201 Clifford St. Odessa, TX 79763

ECISD- Secondary

Alternative Education Center

Secondary (6th - 12th grade)

Phone: (432) 456-0049

Fax: 432-456-0048

1299 E. Yukon Rd. Odessa, TX 79762

ECISD- Middle School

Bonham Middle School

Phone: (432) 456-0429

Fax: 432-456-0428

2201 E. 21st St. Odessa, TX 79761

Bowie Middle School

Phone: (432) 456-0439

Fax: 432-456-0438

500 W. 21st St. Odessa, TX 79761

Crockett Middle School

Phone: (432) 456-0449

Fax: 432-456-0448

2301 Conover Odessa, TX 79763

Ector College Prep Success Academy

Phone: (432) 456-0479

Fax: 432-456-0478

809 W. Clements Odessa, TX 79763

Nimitz Middle School

Phone: (432) 432-0469

Fax: 432-456-0468

4900 Maple Ave. Odessa, TX 79762

Wilson & Young Medal of Honor Middle School

Phone: (432) 456-0459

Fax: 432-456-0458

601 E. 38th St Odessa, TX 79762

ECISD- High School

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Phone: (432) 456-8910

802 N. Sam Houston Ave. Odessa, TX 79761

George H.W. Bush New Tech Odessa High

Phone: (432) 456-6989

Fax: 432-456-6988

300 E. 29th Street Odessa, TX 79761

Odessa Career & Technical Early College High School (OCTECHS) Phone: (432) 456-6409

Fax: 432-456-6408

201 W. University Odessa, TX 79762

Odessa Collegiate Academy

Phone: (432) 456-6429

Fax: 432-456-6428

201 W University Blvd. Odessa, TX 79762

Odessa High School

Phone: (432) 456-0029

Fax: 432-456-5264

1301 N. Dotsy Odessa, TX 79763

Permian High School

Phone: (432) 456-0039

Fax: 432-456-0038

1800 E. 42nd St. Odessa, TX 79762

Odessa College offers degrees, certificates in 24 different fields

Odessa College, located at 201 West University Blvd, is a public junior college in Odessa.

The college serves the people of Ector County and the Permian Basin. It was established in 1946 and currently enrolls more than 5,500 annually in its universityparallel and occupational/technical courses, and more than 7,000 students annually in lifelong learning and enrichment programs annually.

Students can earn degrees and certificates in 24 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Health Professions and Related Programs, and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

Odessa College was founded in 1946 as Odessa Junior College. The college dropped “Junior” from its name around 1976.

In 1999, an Odessa doctor and his wife donated a 27,000-square-foot building in Pecos to house the new Pecos Technical Training Center of Odessa College. After renovations to the building made possible by an $860,000 Economic Development Administration grant, the center now houses administrative and faculty offices, technical and vocational learning labs and a student lounge. The new center enables Odessa College to improve and expand its longestablished extension education program in Pecos.

The latest major addition to the main campus in Odessa is the $45 million Wood Health Sciences Building, an 83,000-squarefoot state of the art health sciences facility that includes the Medical Center Health System Simulation Hospital.

Odessa College is ranked #1,240 out of 2,576 schools in the nation for overall quality on College Factual’s 2022 Best Colleges list. Odessa College is also ranked #71 out of 136 schools in Texas.

ABOUT ODESSA COLLEGE

• Odessa College is an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College. #AspenPrize

• 5,578 students enrolled in career, technology, workforce & transfer programs –this represents a 20% increase in enrollment over the past 10 years.

• 7,472 students enrolled in lifelong learning and enrichment programs annually.

• 120+ Associate and Certificate Degree Programs • 93% of OC students completed the course they started in the Fall of 2015

• 98% of Graduates would recommend OC to their friends

• Eight Student Athlete Academic All Americans – student athletes achieving at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA, who start more than 50 percent of all games and make significant contributions to the team

• ADN (Associate Degree Nursing) Pass Rate is 93.75%

• PTA (Physical Therapy Assistant) Pass Rate is 100%

• Fire Technology Pass Rate is 100%

• 88% of OC employees donate to the student success scholarship campaign

• $8 million in scholarships, state and federal aid awarded to students

• 444 full and part-time employees annually

ACCREDIATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND ARTICULATION

Odessa College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Odessa College.

OC’s offerings are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

For those who wish to continue their education beyond an associate’s degree, OC has more than 50 articulation/transfer agreements with colleges across the country.

For more information, visit their website at https://www.odessa.edu/

Fast-growing UTPB connects graduates with jobs with top companies in U.S.

The Permian Basin is one of the fastest growing, culturally vibrant, economically invigorated regions in the country.

At the academic heart of this revitalized area sits The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB)—which, every year, delivers smart, savvy leaders into the Basin and across the United States.

UTPB is a four-year university committed to connecting all graduates to industry through internship programs and job placement with some of the most successful companies in the country.

With an enrollment of 7,500, UT Permian Basin offers a wide range of undergrad and graduate programs and continues to earn national recognition for its academic rigor and leadership development.

The College of Business is AACSB accredited, a distinction awarded to very few business colleges, and the program has been ranked among the best in the country by Chamberofcommerce.org. The MBA program has received multiple national distinctions in recent years.

UT Permian Basin opened a new engineering building in 2019. In fall 2020, the state-of-the-art D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center opened its doors. The 63,000-square-foot facility offers space for academic programs and is also home to a training facility for all studentathletes plus football and women’s soccer locker rooms.

UTPB’S POINTS OF PRIDE

• Affordable Education: UTPB is ranked as the #2 most affordable college in Texas, making higher education accessible without compromising on quality.

• Extensive Financial Aid: UTPB awards nearly $50 million in financial aid annually, helping students manage the cost of their education. Our Falcon Free program covers tuition and mandatory fees for students with a household income of 100k or less a year.

• Student Support: With a 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UTPB offers personalized attention, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed.

• Behavioral Health Graduate Opportunities: The Behavioral Health Scholarship Program at UTPB offers an opportunity to earn a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work at no cost, supporting students who are passionate about making a difference in mental health.

• World-Class Performing Arts: The Wagner Noel Performing Arts

Center at UTPB is ranked as one of the top performing arts centers in the world, offering premier cultural and entertainment experiences. Our music students learn and perform in this world-class building.

• First-Generation Student Focus: 42% of UTPB students are first-generation college students, highlighting the University’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and providing additional support to help our students succeed.

• Outstanding Athletics: UTPB’s athletics teams continued to reach new heights during the 2023-2024 academic year. The football team won their first-ever Lone Star Conference Championship. The women’s basketball team made it to the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament for the first time in program history, advancing all the way to the championship game. The men’s tennis team claimed the LSC title in their 2024 season, and the baseball team made it to the LSC Championship game.

PERMIAN BASIN

The University of Texas Permian Basin has a current enrollment of 7,500 students and has been named one of the least expensive four-year institutions in the state.

SCHOOL MASCOT: FALCONS 4901 E. UNIVERSITY BLVD., ODESSA, TX 79762

UTPB.EDU | 432-552-2020

HELPFUL CONTACTS

EMERGENCY | MEDICAL

Hospitals

Medical Center Hospital .................(432) 640‑6000

500 W. 4th St., Odessa www.mchodessa.com

Odessa Regional Medical Center ...............................(432) 582‑8000

520 E. 6th St., Odessa www.odessaregionalmedicalcenter.org

Fire Department

Odessa Fire/Rescue ........................(432) 335‑3318 (non emergencies)

1100 W. 2nd St. Odessa https://www.odessa tx.gov/271/Fire Rescue

Law Enforcement

Odessa Police Department ..............(432) 333‑3641 (non emergencies)

205 N. Grant, Odessa www.odessapd.com

Ector County Sheriff’s Department........................(432) 335 3050 2500 S. Hwy US 385 www.ectorcountysheriff.us

Department of Family & Protective Services

Texas Department of Children & Protective Services.......................(432) 368‑2400 2525 N. Grandview, Ste. 100, Odessa www.dcfoffices.org/office/tx_79761_dfpsodessa

GOVERNMENT | FEDERAL

Senators

John Cornyn....................................(202) 224‑2934 517 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. www.cornyn.senate.gov

Ted Cruz..........................................(202) 224‑5922 404 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. www.cruz.senate.gov

Congressman

August Pfluger.................................(202) 224‑2934 1531 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. www.pfluger.house.gov

STATE Senator

Kevin Sparks....................................(512) 463‑0131 P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station, Austin https://senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=31

Representatives

Brooks Landgraf .............................(512) 463‑0546 Room E1.312, P.O. Box 2910, Austin https://house.texas.gov/members/member page/?dis trict=81

Tom Craddick..................................(512) 463‑0500 Room 1W.09, P.O. Box 2910, Austin https://house.texas.gov/members/member page/?dis trict=82

LOCAL

Ector County....................................(432) 498‑4000 1010 E. 8th St., Odessa www.co.ector.tx.us

City of Odessa.................................(432) 335‑3200 411 W. 8th St., Odessa www.odessa tx.gov

REGISTRATIONS

Automobile Tags

Ector County Tax Collector...............(432) 498‑4055 1010 E. 8th St., Ste. 100, Odessa www.co.ector.tx.us

Driver’s License

Texas Department of Public Safety................................(432) 332‑0637 2800 Wright Dr., Midland www.dps.texas.gov

EDUCATION

Charter Schools

Compass Academy Charter School.............................................(432) 272 1836

5530 Billy Hext Rd., Odessa www.mycompassacademy.com

Harmony Science Academy –

Odessa............................................(432) 363 6000

2755 N. Grandview Ave., Odessa www.hsaodessa.org

IDEA Public School..........................(432) 247 8700

7300 E. Yukon Rd., Odessa https://ideapublicschools.org/our schools/idea yukon/ Richard Milburn Academy................(432) 614‑1859

2419 N. County Rd., Ste. 100, Odessa www.rmaschools.org

Public Schools

Ector County Independent School District.................................(432) 456‑0000

802 N. Sam Houston Ave., Odessa www.ectorcountyisd.org

Private Schools

Adinvita School of Design

Thinking ..........................................(432) 305 9566

619 N Grant Ave., Ste. 200, Odessa www.adinvita.org

Bynum School ................................(432) 520 0075

5100 Avalon Dr., Midland www.bynumschool.org

First Odessa Christian Academy ........................................(432) 339 0770

709 N. Lee Ave., Odessa www.firstodessaacademy.org/

Holy Cross Catholic

High School ....................................(432) 897 1803

4014 N. County Rd. 1160, Midland www.holycrosschs.org

Odessa Christian School .................(432) 362 6311

2000 Doran Dr., Odessa www.odessachristian.org

St. John’s Episcopal School (432) 337 6431

401 N. County Rd. W, Odessa www.stjohnsodessa.com

Trinity School of Midland .................(432) 697 3281 3500 W. Wadley Ave., Midland www.trinitymidland.org

Higher Education

Odessa College ...............................(432) 335‑6400

201 W. University Blvd., Odessa www.odessa.edu

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ..............................(432) 703 5133

800 W 4th Street, Odessa www.ttuhsc.edu

UT Permian Basin ...........................(432) 552‑2020 4901 E. University Blvd., Odessa www.utpb.edu

PETS

The Animal Control Division of the Odessa Police Dept................(432) 368‑3526 910 W. 42nd St., Odessa www.odessa tx.gov

Humane Society of Odessa..............(432) 381 5503 7012 W. Mockingbird Ln., Odessa www.odessahumanesociety.org

UTILITIES

Cable/Internet Providers

AT&T................................................(866) 656 2342 www.att.com

Sparklight........................................(432) 363‑7200 www.sparklight.com

Astound Broadband powered by Grande ........................(432) 272‑3040 www.astound.com

NetWest Online, Inc.........................(432) 550‑8766 www.netwest.com

Gas

Atmos Energy Natural Gas...............(888) 286‑6700 www.atmosenergy.com

TELEPHONE

Sparklight........................................(432) 363‑7200 www.sparklight.com

Astound Broadband powered by Grande.........................(432) 272‑4600 www.astound.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING

Republic Services ...........................(432) 561 7600 8220 W. Hwy. 80, Midland www.republicservices.com

WATER & SEWAGE

City of Odessa ................................(432) 335‑3204 411 W. 8th St., Odessa https://www.odessa tx.gov/257/Public Works Utilities

ELECTRICITY

In January 2002, electric power in the State of Texas was deregulated. Most Texans are free to choose their own electric provider. For more information on electricity in Odessa, please call (866) 797 4839 or visit www.powertochoose.org.

Oncor Electric Delivery.....................(888) 313 6862 www.oncor.comv

Power to Choose.............................(866) 797‑4839 or PWR 4 TEX www.powertochoose.org

Reliant Energy..................................(866) 222 7100 www.reliant.com

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Midland International Air and Space Port 9506 La Force Blvd. Midland, TX 79706..........................(432) 560 2200 www.flymaf.com

Odessa Crime Stoppers..................(432) 333 8477 www.odessacrimestoppers.org

Texas Department of Transportation 3901 E. Hwy 80

Odessa, TX 79761...........................(432) 332 0501 www.txdot.gov

National Weather Service 2500 Challenger Drive Midland, TX 79706..........................(432) 563 5006 www.weather.gov/maf

Social Security Administration 2015 E. 37th Street

Odessa, TX 79762...........................(866) 404 1866 www.ssa.gov

Texas Information & Referral (inside Texas) .................211 Outside Texas..................................(877) 541 7905

Time, Temperature & Weather..........(432) 563 9292

NEWSPAPER

Odessa American 700 N. Grant, Suite 800

Odessa, TX 79761...........................(432) 337 7314 www.oaoa.com

POSTAL SERVICES

Main Post Office

200 N. Texas Ave.

Odessa, TX 79761...........................(432) 332 6436

www.usps.com

Eastside Post Office 4551 E. 52nd Street

Odessa, TX 79762...........................(432) 362 3598 www.usps.com

Westside Post Office 1359 W. University Blvd.

Odessa, TX 79764...........................(432) 272 6853 www.usps.com

ARTS & ATTRACTIONS

4Kidz Fun Park

1421 E. 8th St.

Odessa, TX 79761..........................(432) 310 5759 www.4kidzfunpark.com

Altitude Trampoline Park 5161 E. 42nd St. Odessa, TX 79762...........................(432) 272 6921 www.altitudeodessa.com

Chris Kyle Memorial Plaza 8050 TX 191 Frontage (on the northwest corner of MCHS Mission Fitness building)

Odessa, TX 79765 www.odessachamber.com/chris kyle memorial

Cinergy Entertainment 8250 TX 191

Odessa, TX 79765...........................(432) 400 2444 www.cinergy.com

Diamond Lanes Bowling Alley 2208 E 8th St. Odessa, TX 79761...........................(432) 580 4386

Ector Theatre

500 N. Texas Ave. Odessa, TX 79761...........................(432) 653 1246 www.theector.com

Ellen Noël Art Museum 4909 E. University Blvd. Odessa, TX 79762........................(432) 550 9696 www.noelartmuseum.org

The Globe of the Great Southwest 2308 Shakespeare Rd. Odessa, TX 79761..........................(432) 335 6818 https://www.odessa.edu/community/GlobeTheatera tOdessaCollege/index.html

Hawthorn Topgolf Swing Suite Odessa 201 S. John Ben Shepperd Pkwy. Odessa, TX 79761..........................(432) 227 6996 www.topgolfswingsuiteodessa.com

Jackalopes Hockey 4201 Andrews Hwy. Odessa, TX 79762..........................(432) 552 7825 www.jackalopes.org/

Jackrabbit Jamboree

802 N. Sam Houston Ave. Odessa, TX 79761........................(432) 333 7871 www.discoverodessa.org/attractions

Meteor Crater & Museum

5599 Meteor Crater Rd. Odessa, TX 79763........................(432) 381 0946 https://odessameteorcratermuseum.wordpress.com/ Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery 4901 E. University Blvd. Odessa, TX 79762........................(432) 552 2285 https://www.utpb.edu/academics/colleges/arts sciences/ departments/art/nancy fyfe cardozier gallery/ Odessa Area Outdoor Gun Range & Paintball 18200 West Interstate 20

Odessa, TX 79763........................(432) 352 3496 www.odessagunrange.com

Phillips Goff Gallery

Sedate Hall Building

201 W. University Blvd. Odessa, TX 79764........................(432) 335 6490 www.phillipsgoffgallery.org

Ratliff Stadium

Home to “Friday Night Lights” 1862 E. Yukon Rd. Odessa, TX 79765........................(432) 456 9059 www.discoverodessa.org/attractions

Rimrock Raceway

12412 W. Highway 80

Odessa, TX 79765........................(432) 246 5069 www.rimrockkarting.com

Stonehenge Replica

UT Permian Basin Campus

Preston Smith Rd. Odessa, TX 79762........................(432) 333 7871 www.discoverodessa.org/attractions

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center 1310 N. FM 1788

Midland, TX 79707.......................(432) 552-4430

www.wagnernoel.com

White-Pool House Museum

112 E. Murphy St. Odessa, TX 79761........................(432) 333-4072

www.whitepoolhouse.com

MOVIE THEATERS

Century 12

4221 Preston Smith Rd. Odessa, TX 79762........................(432) 552-7996

https://www.cinemark.com/theatres/tx-odessa/cinemark-century-odessa-12

Cinergy Cinemas & Entertainment

8250 E. Hwy. 191 Odessa, TX 79765........................(432) 400-2444

www.cinergy.com

LODGING

American Best Value Inn & Suites

3023 E. Business 20 .............................334-0290

Baymont Inn & Suites Odessa

4101 Parks Legado Rd ..........................257-3646

Best Western Plus

7001 Tres Hermanas Blvd ....................614-4696

Blue Star Inn

2405 E. 2nd St. .....................................332-9505

Budget Inn

9417 Andrews Hwy ...............................368-7939

Candlewood Suites

750 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy ...............272-4567

Candlewood Suites Odessa

4001 Billy Hext Rd. ......................(800) 906-2871

Comfort Suites

4801 E. 50th St......................................362-1500

Comfort Inn & Suites

801 S. John Ben Shepperd Pkwy ..........332-0614

Courtyard by Marriott Odessa

7241 Tres Hermanas Blvd .....................563-1400

Days Inn

520 S John Ben Shepperd Pkwy ...........333-9400

Deluxe Inn

1518 S. Grnt..........................................333-1486

Executive Inn

2505 E. 2nd St.......................................333-1528

Fairfield Inn & Suites

3933 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy..............363-1900

Hampton Inn

3923 John Ben Shepperd

Pkwy......................................................363-2900

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Odessa

201 S. John Ben Shepperd Pkwy............227-6666

Hilton Garden Inn

5221 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy..............366-5800

Holiday Inn

5275 E. 42nd St ....................................366-5900

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Odessa

5321 E. John Ben Shepperd Pkwy..........362-6800

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Odessa I-20

1800 S. Hwy. 385..................................332-4100

Home2 Suites by Hilton Odessa

4015 Billy Hext Rd..................................362-0400

HomeTowne Studios Odessa

3031 E. Business 20 .............................333-6660

Homewood Suites By Hilton Odessa

7221 Tres Hermanas Blvd......................563-2323

Imperial Motel

221 W. 2nd St........................................332-0791

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Odessa

5001 E. Business 20..............................333-2820

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Odessa N. - Sienna Tower

4118 Faudree Rd...................................288-2666

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Odessa North 4122 Faudree Rd...................................288-9041

MainStay Suites

1801 S. Hwy. 385..................................332-1010

MCM Elegante’ Hotel

5200 E. University St.............................661-8567

MCM Grande’ Hotel & Fun Dome

6201 E. Business 20..............................362-2311

Microtel Inn & Suites

4300 E. 50th St......................................614-4780

Motel 6

200 E. Interstate 20................................272-8702

Motel 6 1831 E. 2nd St.......................................614-6297

Motel One 2925 E. Business 20 .............................332-4500

Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

305 E. 5th St..........................................580-5805

Odessa Motor Inn

2021 E. 2nd St.......................................332-7341

Oyo Hotel

6713 East Hwy. 80.................................366-0059

Parkway Inn

3071 E. Hwy. 80....................................332-4224

Ramada by Wyndham

3001 E. Business I-20............................333-3931

Regency Inn

2601 E. 2nd St.......................................335-9525

Residence Inn by Marriott Odessa 7261 Tres Hermanas Blvd......................563-2190

Royal Inn Odessa

2006 W. 2nd St......................................335-8066

Sahara Motel

1423 E. 2nd St.......................................332-2201

Sleep Inn & Suites

3101 E. Business 20..............................653-0333

Staybridge Suites

810 S John Ben Shepperd Pkwy.............231-4565

Studio 6

600 S John Ben Shepperd Pkwy.............614-2222

Super 8 by Wyndham

2833 E. Interstate 20..............................272-4550

TownePlace Suites by Marriott 4412 Tanglewood Ln..............................362-1077

Travel Lodge by Wyndham Odessa

3075 E. Business 20..............................335-8000

Woodspring Suites Odessa

7051 Tres Hermanas Blvd......................272-4590

Villa West Inn

300 W. Pool Rd.....................................335-5055

APARTMENTS

Acacia Park

4775 Oakwood ..............................432-362-0244

Alara Apartments

6501 Eastridge Rd..........................432-367-1131

Andalucia Villas 5075 E 52nd St...............................432-272-7150

Appleridge

2600 Santa Cruz.............................432-335-9263

Arbor Oaks Apartments

1000 E Monahans...........................432-580-4300

Arbor Terrace Townhomes

1101 Fitch Ave................................432-580-5060

Ashford Odessa Square

222 N Dixie Blvd.............................432-332-6441

Brady Station

4401 E 52nd St..............................432-368-4034

Briarwood Village

3904 Englewood Circle...................432-550-6660

Brookview Apartments

3843 Penbrook ..............................432-367-8626

Carriage House 4306 N Dixie ..................................432-362-4632

Chaparral Village

1411 S Grant .................................432-332-5091

Celio Vista Townhomes

120 Vista Plaza ..............................432-366-5321

Cimmarron Place

4136 E 52nd St...............................432-368-7046

Clayton Manor Townhomes

2654 E 11th St................................432-337-6081

College Inn

2721 Henderson ............................432-337-3091

Country Crest Townhomes

6500 Eastridge Rd..........................433-366-8286

Courtyard Apartments

601-619 Graham ...........................432-335-9074

The Cove

4000 San Antonio St

Cru Apartments

3720 Tangle wood .........................432-362-0981

Desert Haven

2250 W 15th St..............................432-332-2312

Domain Apartments

410 E 6th St....................................432-550-6660

Dorado Ranch

3601 Faudree Rd............................432-275-0755

E. 12th Townhomes

1120 N Jackson Ave.......................432-307-3355

Eighty Seventh Apt Homes

8640 Hunter Miller Way...................432-272-6495

Fairgreen Apartments

4675 Oakwood Dr...........................432-362-0497

Faudree Ranch

2741 Faudree Rd............................432-272-4044

Golden Crest

3939 Tanglewood Ln......................432-366-9425

Hemingway House

6401 Eastridge Rd..........................432-362-9772

High Plains Apartments

3727 Andrews Hwy........................432-368-0277

Houston Arms Apartments

1200 N Lee Ave..............................432-332-6414

Key West Senior Village

1600 W Clements St.......................432-332-2300

Kona Kai Apartments

1315 W 24th St..............................432-332-0182

La Casa Bonita l & II

5025 N Dixie ..................................432-362-6979

La Casita Apartments

1301 W 13th St..............................432-332-6416

La Promesa Apartments

4590 N Texas .................................432-367-4315

Landmark Apartments

1101 N Kelly Ave ...........................432-337-2671

Lantana Gardens

7650 Tres Hermanas Blvd...............432-272-4000

Latitude 31 Apt Homes

6900 Cross B Rd............................432-218-3088

The Laurel Condos

600 N Dotsy #1..............................432-2325355

Legado Ranch

4001 De Morado Dr........................432-275-1000

Lee Apartments

1207 N Lee.....................................432-332-6707

Lincoln Apt 1609 N Lincoln ..............................432-332-6707

McDonald Apartments North 1814 N Lee.....................................432-332-6707

McDonald Apartments South 201 W 17th St................................432-332-6707

Madera Pointe

1301 N Whitaker ...........................432-337-3250

Madison Square Apartments

2201 Rocky Lane Rd......................432-367-2727

Manor Crest Apartments 1401 San Andres ...........................432-333-6821

Marquee West Apartments

1111 W 13th .................................432-362-0484

Marvin Garden Apartments

4307 Wendover Ave........................432-2726034

Mission Green Apartments

8201 Dorado Dr..............................432-563-3555

Paddocks Apartments

2100 E 10th St................................432-701-0653

Palms II Apartments

613 Express Way............................432-308-0502

Park Bend Apartments

1200 Santa Rosa............................432-337-3250

Park Plaza Townhomes

2508 E 11th St................................432-337-1031

Parkway Oaks Apartments

1465 JBS Parkway .........................432-363-8091

Pebblebend

4315 Esmond .................................432-367-9071

The Penwell

8225 Dorado Drive .........................432-400-5700

Peppertree Apt Homes

4600 Oakwood Drive ......................432-366-8901

Ponderosa Villas

3665 N Dixie ...................................432-332-6414

Quail Run Apartments

5335 N Grandview ...........................432-362-3313

Regency Square 4100 Tanglewood ............................432-362-0484

Sage Brush Apartments

3250 W 8th St..................................432-332-7878

Sandpiper Apartments

1000 Pueblo ....................................432-333-1481

Santa Monica Place

2500 Santa Monica Ave....................432-332-0182

Sedona Ranch 8001 Brownstone Rd........................432-272-4100

Sedona Springs

920 W University .............................432-272-3458

Seville Apartments 4641 Oakwood Dr.............................432-367-6171

Sierra Blanca Apartments 1001 W 19th St................................432-332-6414

Sierra Ridge Apartments 1330 E 7th St...................................432-332-6414

Southgate Apartments 2735 E 8th St...................................432-332-8186

Southwest Oaks 4651 Oakwood Dr.............................432-363-8091

Springwood Apartments 1201 Harless ...................................432-334-8115

Stanley Heights Apartments 2413 Idlewood Lane..........................432-614-6396

Summertree Place 2220 E 52nd .....................................432-367-1944

Sunset Apartments 9100 Andrews Hwy...........................432-362-6295

Sunset Lodge Apartments 7701 E Hwy 191................................432-296-4200

Sweetbriar Apartments 901 Bernice .......................................432-335-9074

Tanglewood North 4010 Tanglewood ...............................432-362-0484

Third Edition Apartments

1201 N Whitaker ................................432-334-6984

Trestles Condos 6701 Eastridge Rd..............................432-550-9010

Tuscany at Faudree 4001 Faudree Rd................................432-275-0800

University Gardens 4801 Oakwood ..................................432-272-4801

Vera in Odessa 8401 Highway 191.............................432-362-2349

Village Place 1219 N Milburn ...................................432-333-1113

Wellington Commons 1001A N Grandview ...........................432-337-6960

Westwinds Village 4900 E University..................................432-367-8901

Westwood Square 2950 Pleasant Ave...............................432-333-2021

Wildwood Terrace Apartments 2201 Westwood Dr..............................432-332-4555

Windchase Apartments 4100 E 50th ........................................432-367-9112

Windmill Ranch Apartments 4121 San Antonio St............................432-284-4295

Woodcrest Apartments 2550 W 8th St......................................432-337-2541

Woodlands 5050 Tanglewood ...............................432-367-9112

Woodview Apartments 4330 N Grandview ..............................432-368-0896

Demographics $

CLIMATE

Source: www.usclimatedata.com

DISTANCE

TO MAJOR CITIES

DISTANCE TO MAJOR CITIES

Odessa Chamber of Commerce UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Source: Odessa Chamber of Commerce

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

ECTOR COUNTY | 3.8% CITY OF ODESSA | 3.6%

Sources: www.bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm https://odessatex.com/research-reports/labor-statistics/

Sources: www.bls.gov/web/metro/laummtrk.htm https://odessatex.com/research-reports/labor-statistics/ July2024

TRANSPORTATION HIGHWAYS

Interstate 20, Highway 191, State Highway 385, and John Ben Shepperd Parkway allow easy access to all major manufacturers and residential neighborhoods throughout Odessa.

RAILROAD

The Union Pacific Railroad provides an outlet for shipping raw materials and complete projects in and out of the area. Union Pacific also offers 24-hour switch service.

AIRPORTS

Odessa-Schlemeyer Field – Municipal is not served by commercial airlines.

Midland International Air and Space Port – This airport is owned and operated by the city of Midland and is located between Midland and Odessa. The airport is served by American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, with nonstop to Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas and Denver. The airport offers connection flights to every major city in the United States.

Source: Odessa Development Corporation and

Source: Odessa Development Corporation and Midland International Airport

THINGS TO SEE & DO

AQUATIC CENTERS

The Sherwood and Woodson family aquatic centers boast swimming pools with lifeguards, concessions, themed pool parties and more. Private rentals are available through the YMCA. www.odessatxparks. org/facilities-parks/aquaticcentersswimmingpool

BOWLING

Spend your “spare” time rolling for strikes with the family at Odessa’s bowling venues. Diamond Lanes frames fun with such offerings as cosmic bowling, leagues and youth programs. Cinergy offers upscale bowling with a sophisticated design and seating. www.diamondlanesodessa.com, www.cinergy.com

BRIGHT STAR MEMORIAL

Located on the UTPB campus on the walking trail south of the soccer fields, this beautiful Memorial is dedicated to those lost and injured during the mass shooting that took place on August 31, 2019. The newly dedicated Memorial is lit from sunset to sunrise, and features quotes and stories from the seven fallen and 25 injured.

PRESIDENTIAL ARCHIVES AND LEADERSHIP LIBRARY AND GEORGE BUSH BOYHOOD HOME

Texas and Odessa have a habit of producing major state and national political figures, from John Ben Shepperd, who served as Texas’s Secretary of State and its Attorney General in the 1950s, to the Bush presidential family. The Bush home in Odessa has been restored to the days when the American political dynasty was planted here. The John Ben Shepperd Leadership Institute provides

young Texans with leadership and public-service programs. The Institute’s Presidential Archives and Leadership Library features an exhibit highlighting the 50th anniversary of the 1968 presidential election, as well as a celebration of President John F. Kennedy. www.shepperdinstitute. com/presidential-archives

LOCAL MUSEUMS

Discover Ector County’s diverse arts scene, from Smithsonianaffiliated gems like the Ellen Noel Art Museum to local university galleries such as the Nancy Fyfe Cardozier and Phillips Goff. Explore history at the White Pool House Museum, one of the county’s oldest residences, and delve into the ranching past at the Parker House Ranching Museum— an essential stop for a glimpse into the area’s heritage.

MUSIC CITY MALL ROLLER RINK

Music City Mall Rink N’ Roll is one of the largest roller rinks in the state of Texas. The rink is 14,000 square feet and includes bumper cars!

CHRIS KYLE MEMORIAL PLAZA

A 15-foot statue memorializes the “American Sniper” who was born in Odessa. The $1 million bronze version of the Iraq War hero sits on a 48,000-pound base of limestone and granite in the 2,800-square-foot centerpiece of what are actually three plazas. Trees from President George W. Bush’s Crawford ranch adorn the plaza. www.discoverodessa.com

CINERGY ODESSA

Cinergy Odessa’s state-of-theart facility “strikes” again with a veritable arcade of fun, including a

movie theater, a zip line, billiards, laser tag, sports bar, escape room and restaurant. www.cinergy.com

ELLEN NOËL ART MUSEUM

One of only Texas affiliates of the renowned Smithsonian, the Ellen Noël Art Museum is more than a world-renowned collection of works from wellknown painters and sculptors. The fine-arts destination offers a sculpture garden, a variety of programs for all ages, lectures, concerts and even a Knit & Stitch group for the quilting, sewing and knitting set. www.noelartmuseum.org

THE GLOBE OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST/ ANNE HATHAWAY COTTAGE

The Bard died in 1616 and, of course, his works endure, but at Odessa College, The Globe Theater keeps William Shakespeare’s octagonal performance hall alive. A replica from Elizabethan London, the 410seat venue showcases an authentic period stage for worldclass performances. The venue serves as an ideal spot for weddings and parties, too. The adjacent Anne Hathaway Cottage honors Shakespeare’s wife with a reproduction of her childhood home.

GOLF

At Odessa Country Club, members play their choice of two top-flight courses and enjoy swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness center, among other amenities. The city-owned public course, Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, also offers camps, clinics and a pro shop. www.odessacc.com, www.ratliffranchgolfodessa.com

JACK BEN RABBIT

“JACKRABBIT JAMBOREE”

The world’s largest jackrabbit arrived in Odessa in 1962, when John Ben Shepperd was the Odessa Chamber of Commerce president. He rustled up the statue to pay tribute to the Odessa Rodeo’s annual jackrabbit roping competition. The 8-foot-tall rabbit now draws visitors and media attention from all over the world. In addition to Jack Ben, there are 31 uniquely painted jackrabbits throughout Odessa. Visit the Discover Odessa website for a map of each jackrabbit’s location. www.discoverodessa.com

ODESSA JACKALOPES

With 50 days’ more sunshine than the national average, Odessa wouldn’t seem like a natural spot for ice hockey. Don’t tell that to the Odessa Jackalopes, the North American Hockey League team that plays at Ector County Coliseum from September to April. www.jackalopes. org

ODESSA METEOR CRATER

The Odessa Meteor Crater is one of the largest in the country, around 550 feet in diameter. Learn more about the National Natural Landmark created over 63,500 years ago at the Thomas Rodman Museum and Visitor Center. www.odessameteorcrater.com

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

The Permian Basin Bicycle Association built and maintains the Odessa Mountain Bike Park in east Odessa. The parks is over 11 miles of trail inside 95 acres. There are trails for all riders from beginner to intermediate to expert. Riders must be a current member of the PBBA or require a daily pass.

PARKS

Trails, pavilions, basketball, disc golf, pickleball and tennis courts and horseshoe pits are among numerous amenities at Odessa’s Parks and Recreation facilities. Also, a short drive from the city, three state and national parks provide breathtaking scenery from miles of trails and picnic spots. Monahans Sandhills State Park is 30 minutes away and Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Big Bend National Park are close enough for magnificent day trips. www.odessatxparks.org

THE HISTORIC PECOS DEPOT

“Billy” hangs out at the Pecos Depot. Or so folks say. He’s a ghost known for pranks and loitering, if not for his taste in the ambiance and Texas-sized dishes at the adjacent Barn Door Steakhouse. www. odessabarndoor.com

PERFORMING ARTS

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, Globe Theater, and Ector Theater are the major performingarts centers presenting Broadway musicals, the West Texas Symphony and marquee concerts from rock to Texas’s most popular musicians. www.wagnernoel.com, www.ectortheatre.com

RACEWAYS

Caprock Motorplex’s state-of-the-art drag strip gets your motors running. Rim Rock Raceway maintains leading rental karts at the premier karting facility. www.caprockmotorplex.com, www.rimrockkarting.com

RATLIFF STADIUM

Ratliff Stadium serves as the iconic backdrop for Friday Night Lights. Opening its gates in 1982, the stadium accommodates around 18,000 enthusiastic fans who passionately support their hometown football team from the stands. The palpable school pride becomes especially tangible during intense

hometown rivalry games held within the stadium.

SPRAYGROUNDS

The latest entry in Odessa’s parks and recreation ecosystem is the Junior League Jurassic Jungle Spray ground at UTPB Park, where children splash among dinosaurs. The jungle of water is filled with spraying, dumping, sliding and cascading water features. McKinney Park is another spray ground with a very cool splash tower that looks like an old oil derrick. Both are free. www. odessatxparks.org/facilities-parks/

STONEHENGE REPLICA

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s campus features a reproduction of prehistoric Stonehenge, the iconic, enigmatic ring of stones that stand in southwestern England. Odessa’s set piece of about 20 stones draws visitors from all over. www.utpb.edu

Friday Night Lights: 2004 movie gave Permian football national exposure

In the wide world of football movies, where drama both on and off the field captivate audiences, it’s no wonder that Hollywood was attracted to the West Texas area, resulting in the movie Friday Night Lights.

The American sports drama film in 2004 was directed and co-written by Peter Berg. The storyline follows the players and coach of a high school football team in Odessa. Based on the book, Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team and A Dream by H.G. Bissinger, the story follows the 1988 Permian High School Panthers football team in their journey to the state championship.

In 2006, the NBC television series premiered under the same name.

The scene starts in the preseason practice in August 1988 in Odessa

forecasting the high demand to win the state championship with James “Boobie” Miles, their star running back. Several storylines develop as players’ lives unfold with personal pressures and their high school lives.

Friday Night Lights did become a big hit and was recognized by its peers in the industry.

The American Film Institute named it AFI’s Top 10 Film of the Year in 2004, AFI’s 10 Top 10 in 2008, and named #37 in 50 Best High School Movies by Entertainment Weekly.

The film also captured the Best Sports Movie ESPY Award.

In a movie, unless it’s a documentary, fiction is part of the script.

According to Wikipedia, Permian was portrayed as a single large high

school in a small West Texas town. The truth was that Odessa was a booming city with nearly 100,000 people at the time. The metropolitan area, combining populations from both Midland and Ector counties, totaled nearly 250,000.

There were other portrayals of the community that the film changed.

Permian was and still is one of two high schools in the 5A division in Odessa. The other is Odessa High School, which was never mentioned in the film. The two actually have a rivalry called the “Civil War.”

In addition, Ratliff Stadium, which was used for the Permian football practices, wasn’t their actual location. Practice was typically held at their campus. Ratliff Stadium, located on the north side of town of town, is used by both Odessa and Permian.

Smile ... iT’s

First Friday ODTX is Every Month 6 to 9 PM Scan for Map and Places to Go!

Presented by Odessa Arts & Downtown Odessa Join us each First Friday and get into the fun of life, culture, and art.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

JANUARY

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• THE SANDHILLS STOCKSHOW & RODEO sandhillsssr.com

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

• MAP MOTORSPORTS mapmotorsports.com

FEBRUARY

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• ODESSA COLLEGE NIRA RODEO wranglersports.com

MARCH

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

• BRIAR PATCH TRADE DAYS briarpatchodessa.com

• WRIGHT’S AMUSEMENT CARNIVAL wrightscarnival.com

APRIL

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• WRIGHT’S AMUSEMENT CARNIVAL wrightscarnival.com

MAY

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• VIVA LA FIESTA vivafiestaodessa.com

JUNE

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION odessabcc.org

• WEST TEXAS JAZZ PARTY wtjs.org

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

• PARKS LEGADO FARMERS MARKET parkslegado.com

JULY

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• FIRECRACKER FANDANGO odessa-tx.gov

• PARKS LEGADO FARMERS MARKET parkslegado.com

AUGUST

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• PARKS LEGADO FARMERS MARKET parkslegado.com

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

SEPTEMBER

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• AN AMERICAN TRIBUTE odessatxparks.org

• PERMIAN BASIN FAIR & EXPO permianbasinfair.com

• COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE HIGH SKY WING AIRSHO airsho.org

• BRIAR PATCH TRADE DAYS briarpatchodessa.com

• PARKS LEGADO FARMERS MARKET parkslegado.com

OCTOBER

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• FALL FESTIVAL odessatxparks.org

• DIA DE LOS MUERTOS odessa.tx.gov

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

• PARKS LEGADO FARMERS MARKET + PUMPKIN PATCH parkslegado.com

NOVEMBER

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• ODESSA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL odessaarts.org

• MERRY MARKETPLACE jlodessa.org

• SILVER SPUR TRADE SHOW silverspurtradeshows.com

DECEMBER

• FIRST FRIDAY firstfridayodtx.org

• STARBRIGHT VILLAGE odessa-tx.gov

• ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING odessatxparks.org

• PARKS LEGADO CHRISTMAS TREE MARKET parkslegado.com

• JUNIOR LEAGUE CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE RIDES jlodessa.org

• PARADE OF LIGHTS odessa-tx.gov

UTPB offers vibrant fine arts programs designed to elevate your talents. Study band, choir, orchestra, mariachi, marching band, jazz, visual arts, or theater. Join a community where artistic expression thrives and opportunities are endless!

Concerts, comedy shows deliver entertainment for Permian Basin residents, visitors

Odessa has several entertainment venues that host concerts, performing arts, sports and comedy shows. The venues attract some of the top acts in the country.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (Wagner Noël PAC) is a performing arts venue located between the cities of Midland and Odessa, just off Highway 191. Wagner Noël PAC is owned by The University of Texas at the Permian Basin and is managed by SMG. It houses an 1,827-seat main concert hall and 200-seat in the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall, as well as the Music Department of University of Texas at the Permian Basin.

Since opening its doors in 2011 the Wagner Noël PAC has hosted a yearly average of 150 performances including some of the biggest names in entertainment. Past performers include Rod Stewart, Santana, Tony Bennett, Jerry Seinfeld, The Beach Boys, Diana Ross, Oliva Newton-John, Heart and Gabrielle Iglesias.

It is also the host venue for the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale season and is the exclusive venue for the Broadway in the Basin Series.

For more information, please visit www.WagnerNoel.com or follow @ WagnerNoel_PAC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Ector County Coliseum

The 42-acre Ector County complex is located at the corner of 42nd Street and Andrews Highway. The coliseum seats 8,000 and located 10 minutes from 2,000 hotel rooms.

Home of the NAHL Odessa Jackalopes hockey team, and Permian Basin International Oil Show, the complex is also host to a wide variety of events which include: concerts, conventions, rodeos, trade shows, festivals, ice shows, motor sports, Broadway shows, weddings, anniversaries and more.

For more information, visit their website at www.ectorcountycoliseum. org or call 432-366-3541.

The Ector Theatre

The newly renovated historic Ector Theatre is located in downtown Odessa, 500 N. Texas Avenue and is a venue for live music and comedy shows and other events.

The Ector opened its doors in 1951 and was completely restored as part of the City of Odessa’s downtown revitalization effort. It reopened in April of 2021 and plans to continue to bring world class entertainment to West Texas.

For more information, visit their website at www.theector.com or call 432-227-0103.

La Hacienda Events Center

Located at 12610 Texas 191 Frontage Road between Odessa and Midland, LaHacienda Event Center features top concerts in the Permian Basin. In addition, the venue also hosts weddings, company parties, banquets and trade shows and more.

For more details, visit their website at www.haciendamidland.com or call 432-563-3737.

The newly renovated Ector Theatre is a music-friendly venue, located in downtown Odessa.

ODESSA CHURCHES CHURCHES

• 2nd Baptist of Odessa, 432-332-7851, 711 E. 17th St., www.2bcodessa.com

• Antioch Christian Church, 432-366-5617, 4040 Maple Ave., www.antiochchristian.org

• Asbury United Methodist Church, 432-366-4455, 4001 East University Blvd., www.asburyumcodessa.org

• Beacon Baptist Odessa, 432-362-8456, 2119 North Grandview Ave., www.beaconbaptistodessa.com

• Bible Baptist Church, 432-332-8827, 2801 Iola Dr., www.biblebaptistodessa.com

• Catholic Churches of South Odessa, 432-337-2213, 907 S Dixie Blvd., www.sanangelodiocese.org/

• Central Baptist Church, 432-337-6417, 1416 N. Texas, www.centralodessa.org

• Circle J Cowboy Church, 432-559-6439, 300 W. 31st St.

• Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 432-550-6080, 1820 East 52nd St., www.chapelhill-baptistchurch.e-zekielcms.com

• Community Bible Church, 432-363-4232, 6130 E. 56th St. www.cbcodessa.org

• Connection Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 432-332-2954, 4241 Tanglewood, 432-332-2954

• Crossroads Fellowship, 432-368-2500, 6901 E. Highway 191, www.crchurch.cc

• First Baptist Church, 432-337-7907, 709 N. Lee Ave., https://fbcodessa.com/

• First Methodist Church, Odessa, 432-337-1527, 415 N. Lee Ave. www.fmcodessa.org

• First Odessa, 432-337-1524, 709 N. Lee Ave. www.fbcodessa.com

• First Presbyterian Odessa, 432-337-3526, 1401 North Sam Houston Ave., www.fpcodessa.org

• First United Pentecostal Church, 432-653-1109, 1700 N. Texas Ave., www. firstupc.com

• Grace Christian, 432-335-0117, 3450 Billy Hext Road, www.graceodessa.com

• Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 432-580-4295, 2633 Conover Ave., http://holyredeemerodessa.com

• Hope Alive Church, 432-332-4673, 305 E. 19th, https://myhopealive.church

• Iglesia Del Camino – Church of the Way, 432-332-9300, 903 South County Road West, www.iglesiadelcamino.net

• Immanuel Baptist Church, 432-366-4439, 4020 E. University, https://immanuealodessa.com

• Life Unlimited Church, 432-362-1911, 4224 NE Loop 338, www.lifeunlimitedchurch.com

• Lutheran Church-The Risen Lord, 432-362-2549, 1603 N. Grandview Ave., http://lcrl.org

• Messiah Texas, 432-638-2329, 3319 Golder Ave., www.messiahtexas.com

• Ministries Embassy Christian, 432-333-3474, 401 N. Kelly Ave.

• Mission Dorado Baptist Church, 432-561-8553, 4142 Faudree Rd., www.mdbc.church

• Mission Messiah, A New Creation, 432-580-5222, 1213 W. 2nd St., http://missionmessiah.org

• New Life Chapel, 432-337-1000, 914 N. Texas Ave.

• Northside Baptist Church, 432-366-3679, 100 W. 50th St., http://nsbc-tx.org/

• Odessa Bible Church, 432-337-3944, 3901 Penbrook Street, www.odessabible.org

• Odessa Christian Faith Center, 432-368-7714, 9000 Andrews Hwy., http://ocfc.org

• Odessa First Nazarene Church, 432-362-0206, 2223 Lyndale Dr. www.odessanaz.com

• Odessa Gospel Lighthouse Church, (432) 366-8193, 4800 NE Loop 338

• Odessa Tabernacle, (432) 368-0240, 2406 Oakwood Dr.

• Odessa-Westview Church of God, (432) 288-5231, 2105 N. Moss Ave.

• Prayer House Church of God in Christ, (432) 333-4250, 404 Foster Ave.

• Rose Of Sharon Baptist Church, (432) 332-1751, 1615 E Murphy St.

• Sherwood Church of Christ, 432-366-3641, 4900 N. Dixie Blvd, https://sherwoodcofc.org

• St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 432-362-3881, 4141 Tanglewood Lane

• St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 432-367-4657, 7601 N. Grandview Ave. www.setonaprshodessa.org

• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 432-333-6022, 401 N. County Rd. West

• St. Joseph Catholic Church, 432 -337-2213, 907 S. Dixie Blvd.

• St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, (432) 366-8866, 1601 E. 42nd

• Stonegate Odessa Church, 432-614-6705, 4240 Preston Smith Rd. https://sgo.church

• Sunset Heights Baptist Church, (432) 332-7727, 2401 W. 16th S.

• Tanglewood Church Of Christ, (432) 366-3619, 1329 Tanglewood Ln.

• Texas And Clements Church Of Christ, (432) 580-0049, 1201 S. Texas Ave., www.texasandclementscoc.com

• The Bridge UMC, (432) 363-0900, 3901 E. Yukon, www.thebridgeodessa.org

• The Church in Odessa, (432) 3336190, 2224 W. Interstate 20, http://churchinodessa.org/

• Tree Of Life, (432) 332-3689, 1325 E 4th St., www.tree-life.com

• Unity of West Texas, (432) 337-7851, 210 E. 12th S., www.unityofwesttexas.com

• Westminster Presbyterian Church, 432-366-1321, 4901 Maple Ave., https://www.wpcodessa.com

• West Odessa First Baptist Church Odessa, (432) 381-0753, 11300 W. University Blvd., www.westodessafbc.com

HEALTH

Odessa Regional Medical Center honored as national leader

Odessa Regional Medical Center (ORMC) – A Steward Family Hospital has been a trusted name in the community for more than 45 years, and for good reason. As a hospital focused on quality and safety, they are proud to have earned the nation’s top distinction for patient safety – a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade “A” – year after year.

With 225 licensed beds, ORMC offers patients access to services for a broad range of medical conditions, including orthopedic and sports medicine, vascular and endovascular surgical procedures, robotic capabilities, diagnostic imaging, breast care, cardiac care, a fertility laboratory and more.

From its founding in 1975, ORMC has built its reputation as the top childbirth facility in the area. As a Level III State designated maternity facility, patients have access to comprehensive maternal care all under one roof. This includes their Level III designated Neonatal Intensive Care unit, a dedicated Obstetrics ER with 24/7 coverage from board-certified hospitalists, and maternal fetal care with high-risk capabilities through their Regional Perinatal Center.

There’s a reason ORMC delivers more babies than any other health care facility in the Permian Basin. As a five-star Healthgrades recipient for Excellence in Labor & Delivery and Obstetrics & Gynecology, ORMC is the best choice to deliver all your maternity needs.

Emergency services at ORMC include 12 dedicated emergency department (ED) beds with additional FastTrack beds for minor illnesses and injuries. A full spectrum of emergency services can be accessed for both adults and pediatric patients by our team of board-certified emergency medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and registered nurses that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all of life’s unexpected emergencies.

As an accredited Stroke and Chest Pain Center, ORMC continuously excels in efficient and prompt care through its best practices in cardiac and stroke care. ORMC’s cardiac care program offers the latest evidenced based methods and practices and an advanced Cath Lab for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular conditions.

ORMC is also home to advanced robotic options, boasting two

of the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical Systems, the latest frontier for minimally invasive surgery. This groundbreaking robotic technology is used for procedures related to gynecology, general surgery, and urology that can result in a faster recovery times, less pain and scarring, and shorter hospital stays.

At ORMC, it has always been their goal to bring expert care, the latest technology, and the finest health care professionals to the Permian Basin and surrounding communities.

For more information, visit www. odessaregiaonlmedicalcenter.org.

The 225-licensed bed Odessa Regional Medical Center has been trusted name in Odessa for more than 45 years.

Medical Center Health System provides quality healthcare for residents of 17 area counties

Medical Center Health System is the most comprehensive health care provider in the Permian Basin. Founded more than 75 years ago, MCHS has grown from one facility that opened in 1949 into a family of health care providers delivering a broad range of advanced medical services to the people of Odessa and the surrounding 17 counties.

The small county hospital has evolved into a prosperous 402-bed regional medical center serving more than 100,000 patients annually.

Medical Center Health System is made up of Medical Center Hospital, the Center for Women & Infants, the Center for Health & Wellness, Mission Fitness, MCH ProCare, MCH Family Health Clinic and Medical Center Health System Foundation.

MCHS is also affiliated with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin Healthcare Network, West Texas Cancer Center and is the

only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in the area.

Medical Center Hospital is the leading provider of emergency and trauma care in the Permian Basin. MCH is also a leader in cardiovascular services, inpatient and outpatient therapy, diagnostic testing, stroke, orthopedic, and women’s services.

MCH specialty areas and services include the Center for Heart Disease, Cardiac and Pulmonary Center, Wound Care Center, Total Joint Care Center for orthopedics, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and American Medical Response ambulance service. In addition, MCH ProCare offers three convenient urgent care clinics and a clinic at Walmart.

Medical Center Health System provides educational programs through blogs, community events and vlogs. Many quality accreditations, certifications

and achievements have been awarded to MCHS by the nation’s leading accreditation programs.

The mission of MCHS is to deliver comprehensive quality health care to the people of the Permian Basin. The team of highly skilled physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff come together to help set a high standard for quality care. MCHS never turns anyone away because of their ability to pay.

Founded in 1949, the Medical Center Health System has grown from small rural hospital to 402-hospital bed regional medical center.