Are Lubbock Homebuilders Betting the Expo Center Will Never Happen?

There is definitely progress being made near the future location of the Lubbock County Expo Center, but I’m not sure it’s the kind of progress Expo supporters should be excited about.

I live fairly close to the property—or at least close to the sign that says something like, “Future Home of the Expo Center.” I’m probably a mile to a mile and a half away, and there isn’t much between the site and my house.

I have already accepted the fact that, if this place eventually starts hosting concerts, I’ll probably be able to feel the bass thumping in my bedroom. Even if the acts they book aren’t especially bass-heavy, big outdoor shows have a way of making themselves known.

On a clear night, I also wouldn’t be surprised if I could hear the rodeo announcer. I’ve been around concerts, rodeos and large events long enough to know how far sound can travel.

Here’s the strange part: They appear to be preparing to build houses right next to the future Expo Center grounds.

There are pipes and other materials visible from the road that appear to be for sewer and water lines. It also wasn’t that long ago that electrical towers in the area were added, replaced or upgraded.

From where I’m sitting, these future homes look close enough to the Expo Center property that you could practically throw a rock from one to the other.

My question is simple: Who the heck would want to live there?

I suppose it would make sense if you worked at the Expo Center. A groundskeeper, maintenance worker or livestock manager could have a very convenient commute. For everyone else, you might be close enough to hear people in the stands clapping.

Don’t Forget About the Smell

We also haven’t talked about the potential aroma.

If the Expo Center hosts rodeos, livestock shows and agricultural events, I have to believe the grounds could develop a pretty noticeable funk on a hot West Texas afternoon. There may even be plans to keep animals on the property for extended periods of time.

Some existing homes are already located about a quarter-mile away. When we first noticed them, our immediate thought was, “Those poor people probably moved out there for peace and quiet, and now they’re going to have an Expo Center right up their rear.”

That brings me to the question I ask every time I drive through the area: Are these builders betting that the Expo Center is never actually going to happen?

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It seems logical that these houses would be worth more without a concert, rodeo and livestock venue sitting next door. Maybe the builders know something the rest of us don’t. Maybe they believe buyers won’t care. Maybe the Expo Center and the neighborhood will somehow coexist peacefully.

Still, it’s an interesting gamble—and one that truly boggles my mind every time I pass the property.