The partitions of Billy Bob’s Texas are lined with Willie Nelson’s handprints, Sammy Kershaw’s rumpled setlist and 40 years of musical historical past.
The storied venue unveiled latest renovations on Feb. 29, together with new paint, new neon indicators and up to date bogs, however essentially the most vital adjustments are ones that patrons will not see.
Pillars that have been blocking the road of sight to the stage now not block the view.
“The seating (right here) was once unhealthy, since you have been trying behind the scenes of the manufacturing,” stated Billy Bob’s General Manager Marty Travis. “I can now see the stage higher.”
Replacing poles with trusses and shifting the sound sales space from the entrance of the room to the again additionally helps enhance acoustics, a one-two punch that negates the 2 predominant complaints from occupants.
“Every week we obtain survey feedback and we reply to them 100% of the time,” he stated. “We take heed to our visitors, however disturbances are an issue. Sound is an issue and we need to tackle the most important downside.”
Jacky Swan was an unique VIP member at Billy Bob’s and appreciates the enhancements.
He and his spouse Sheila witnessed Neil McCoy’s first date, acquired married on stage and secured everlasting entrance row seats on the venue.
“This is large. … There was once 4 poles between the place we’re standing and the stage,” Swan defined. “And now it seems prefer it’s extra open. … This is nice. I imply, the visibility is significantly better for individuals sitting right here.”
Travis stated it was a worthwhile commerce to surrender just a few seats to enhance rankings for dozens of others.
“If you’ve been right here for a present earlier than, you’re going to be blown away.”
Marcheta Fornoff covers artwork for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at marcheta.fornoff@fortworthreport.org. At The Fort Worth Report, information selections are made impartial of board members and monetary supporters. Learn extra about our editorial independence coverage.
This article first appeared in Fort Worth Report and is republished right here beneath a Creative Commons license.