We’ve talked about this before, but it’s time to revisit the state of Lubbock’s concert venues — because the situation isn’t getting any easier.
Fewer bands are touring these days, and for the ones who do want to play Lubbock, booking the right space can be tricky. It’s not that we don’t have great venues — we do — but we’re missing those “just right” mid-sized options that fill the gap between clubs and large amphitheaters.
The Challenges Venue Owners Face
Running a concert venue is a balancing act. One of the biggest financial lifelines is alcohol sales, but in Texas, that’s complicated. If a venue doesn’t have its own liquor license, it has to use a catering license from another bar — and that means losing a significant revenue stream.
The other major issue? Technical requirements. Every band has its own needs when it comes to stage size, layout, and capacity. We were recently offered a lineup that would make for a fantastic mid-sized FMX Birthday Bash. The catch? The band wants the show indoors, with a wide stage, and room for about 1,000 people…