An Inside Look at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock
You're never going to want to go to a show anywhere else again.
The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences is such a dramatic leap forward in venues it's hard to imagine anyplace anywhere at this level.
This is truly going to be one of the most state-of-the-art buildings ever erected in Lubbock. This building alone will change the way people see Lubbock.
Yes, this is going to be a beautiful building, but the thing that separates this venue from all others is the thought that went into hospitality for the patrons and the artists. It's not that stuff is just nice; it's that there are common areas for artists backstage, great dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces and so much more.
There will be a restaurant on the grounds that you will keep regular hours even when the venue is not in use. There's also a regular concession area, souvenir areas, and access to the upper levels through grand staircases or elevators. There's a stage that rises up from underground, and it boasts an enormous main stage with plenty of rigging to handle any concert or Broadway-style show.
One of my main concerns was the concept of shared space with Lubbock ISD and Ballet Lubbock. Well, those folks have their own areas with their own access. This means they can rehearse while other events are going on, and that is very important.
Best of all, the venue features two huge performance rooms, with the larger one holding around 2,200 people, and the smaller one holding 450 people. Let's talk about that main hall, though. It features multi-level balconies and floor seating on a nice incline that can even be rolled away in case an open floor is needed.
The venue will have its own parking with a possible parking garage being added at some point. Until that time, there are agreements with the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center and area businesses and studios to allow fan parking in the area. Also, don't forget that there's a hotel being built on the Civic Center grounds, which means that people can book a fun weekend in Lubbock and just walk to a show at the Buddy Holly Hall.
Even though you might not think so due to the scaffolding, the venue is scheduled to open in August 2020, and shows have already been booked. While I was there, carpeting and tile were being installed, and those are usually among the finishing touches.
Not excited yet? While I didn't take a picture of the ladies room, it features 14 toilets. I did take a picture of the men's room, but didn't count in there.
Let me also say that the TxDOT "Windy Man," which was the subject of controversy and vandalism, looks over the project -- specifically, the giant, glassed wall artist common area. To me, this is significant. I'll be following up more on that later.
Take a look at all my pictures of the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.