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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2009 > September > 26 > Entry
Live Review: George Strait at Cedar Park Center
There is something massively streamlined about George Strait, yet he remains untouched by over-slickness, by the Top 40ization of modern country.
His songs have the almost ruthless efficiency of classic pop - here is the story, told in two verses and a few rounds of the chorus.
Yet every tune plays out like hardcore honky-tonk, sawdust and spilled Lone Star on the floor.
The dude locked in a winning formula years ago and never deviated from it: Find the best songs you can and sing the heck out of them. Wear a Western shirt, tight jeans and dark cowboy hat onstage. Flash them pearly whites and keep a crack band who have played with you for three decades.
He’s sold out 15,000 seaters in Texas (and elsewhere) for years. No wonder folks were willing to pay a couple hundred bucks for tickets to see him in the brand new Cedar Park Center, an 8,000 seat hockey area/concert venue/event center. (How could you tell hockey was played there? The U.S., Texas and Canadian flags were all hanging at the same height.)
Getting into the Cedar Park Center, then parking, was a bit of a challenge. Traffic was reportedly brutal as late as 8:30 p.m.
But that was to be expected from a venue of this size on its maiden voyage. The lots near the venue filled up before Strait hit the stage and patrons were forced to park in the 1890 Ranch mall lot and take a shuttle bus over.
However, $15 for parking, however close in, is pretty steep, especially considering that’s the price of a more expensive show any given weekend on Red River. With parking prices like that, Cedar Park seems designed as a destination venue, a place for folks who don’t go to see all that much live music to see a concert, perhaps the only concert they will see that year.
Opener LeeAnn Womack delivered a brisk set of hits turning the three-quarters-filled room in to a honky-tonk on songs such as “Never Again, Again.” There were unexpected touches: “A Little Past Little Rock” sported a piano solo, a weird cross between prog-rock dissonance and barrelhouse; the keyboard player even looked a little like Rick Wakeman from Yes. “You Don’t Know Me” turned the arena into a supper club with some jazzy slide guitar. Of course there were the smashes: the prom-themey “I Hope You Dance” and the show-closer “Ashes By Now.”
Strait - who, as my wife once put it, was a hot-looking country singer when there were not hot-looking country singers - hit the stage at aroud 9:30, opening with the title track from “Twang.” The sound was a little rough, but that was to be expected from the first night of a hockey arena.
His themes include women he likes (“Wrapped,” “The Chair”) and women who have stopped liking him (“Ocean Front Property,” “I Hate Everything”). A Texan to the core, he’s sung a lot about lots-of-driving aspect of Texas life (“Amarillo By Morning,” “I Can Still Make Cheyenne”). After all, it does give you time to brood. Then there are the songs about Texas itself (“Texas,” “Heartland”), the ladies you’ll find there (“How ‘Bout them Cowgirls?”) and what they will do to you (“I Ain’t Her Cowboy Anymore.”)
The guy delivers like Domino’s - what’s not to like? And again, this might be the smallest place most of these folks have seen Strait in years.
But will they come back for Wilco?
Comments
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By Craig
September 26, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
George was great. The organization was very bad. We waited from 7:30 to 9:30 just to get to the parking lot only to be told that it had been full for over an hour. We were finally directed to the buses and got there little after George came on stage. After it was all over we stood in the parking lot for 45 minutes waiting for our bus as we watched the employees jump on buses in front of us. Overall it was the worst customer service I have ever experienced. We will not be going back.
By straitfan
September 26, 2009 11:06 AM | Link to this
George Stait was fantastic!! He is even better now than last time I saw him over 20 years back. His concert sound is right on with his recorded sound which shows that he has stayed true to his roots and not muddled it up with studio equipment. The Ace in the Hole band was phenomenal! Local guys, mostly from Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio and one superb acoustic guitar player from Louisiana. Awesome is all I can say! Now, the Cedar Park Center….. Nice venue with the exception of the fact they made the seeting for the tiny people of Liliput, an indigenous group of people who stand 3 feet tall and have no need for leg room. Be prepared to eat your knees, and get very quaint with your neighbors. I mean COME ON!!! Only 4 inches from end of the seat cushion to the back of seat in front of you. You must straddle the back of the seat in front of you and hope to God you are sitting by short people on both sides of youself. What an error of judgement by whomever designed this otherwise very nice facility!
By Billy
September 26, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this
The wife and I attended the show last night. We were shocked at the $15 dollar parking price. This left a bad taste in my mouth from the start. We then headed for the beer cart to find very steep price on a very small cup of beer. I asked for a large 16 oz Land Shark and they said they could only serve premium beer in 12 oz cup. I’m not sure when Land Shark became a premium beer but I did end up paying $14 dollars for two 12 oz beers. The lady who served me explained that it a quantity verse quality thing. She explained that I could get a 16 oz Bud lite for $8 verse a 12 oz premium beer for $7. We then headed for our seats and were pleasantly surprised how close they were to the stage. Our seats were located in the arena seating area on the right side of the stage. The seats were very tight. I’m 5’11” and my knees touched the back of the chair in front of us. I ended up uses most of my wife’s leg space to find some comfort in the new seats. Lee Ann was ok and she tried to whip up the crowd but most people were waiting to see George. During the intermission we had to take a restroom break. Surprisingly there were long lines for both the men and the women bathrooms. I was very disappointed that a new center was not designed to handle a crowd of less than 8000. I’ve waited in shorter lines at the UT football games that have crowds of 100,000 people. This is a big design miss in my book. I was excited to be able to see George Strait for the first time so close to where we live. I was willing to spend the high ticket price but had high expectation from the new center since they charged Las Vegas ticket prices. I expect more of a Las Vegas presentation. The stage was very simple and plain. The seating was cramped. George was great but and really that is what we paid to see. I one of those people that doesn’t drive down every weekend to see live music and will not go to another concert for a while. But next time I go I’m really going to think twice before I attend another concert here. I’d prefer to drive to Dallas or fly to Las Vegas and pay the same $$ to see the show. At least I know what I’m in for when I travel. I was very surprised with the pricing at the new Cedar Park center. It really made me feel this was all about maximizing their profit and they seem to cut corners to do just that.
By dennis
September 26, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this
Craig was right, George was great! The organization was terrible. So bad in fact the Cedar Park community should be ashamed. Our ordeal began on 183 within sight of the facility where we waited almost 2 hours to move a mile or two. The sham in parking was awful, being directed into the lot and being charged $15 with staff knowing full well the lots were full. I asked for my money back and wonder how many were outright ripped off as we were then directed to double back down 183 to park at Target. You know, for $161.50, I wondered why George’s faithful were being treated like dirt by such inept planning. It was discraceful at best, and I doubt I’ll ever go to Cedar Park for any event in the future. Be forewarned, there is not enough parking for sold out events.
By Jeremiah
September 26, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
George was great Cedar Park Center is a joke. Never again! Horrible traffic control, place is a cracker box w/ seating. Sat in traffic for an hour at 183A & New Hope - cops didn’t arrive to direct traffic until 8:15pm - and then they gave up. Absolutely ridiculous.
By Lago Vista Jim
September 26, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this
Strait is straight as they come! What a true Texan and fine entertainer. My ticket price was right too (1/2 price on Craig’s list) and frankly, I thought the entire experience was GREAT! (Sure there were some hiccups, but it WAS opening night). Spent all of my money on the ticket and didn’t have any cash (as in Johnny) and guy trusted me to go inside to ATM to cough up $15 parking fee (too high). I did. Good review Joe and glad there was NOT a big screen problem as in MADMAN’s 3rd season premiere!
By georgefans
September 26, 2009 3:52 PM | Link to this
We had a “fun” time at George’s show last night at Cedar Park Center! This was our 4th time to see him this year!! We also went to his “Artist of the Decade” award show in Vegas, then the Cowboy Stadium show, and Houston Reliant show! We Really love George! He just keeps getting better and better, and naturally looks so handsome! We arrived early enough to park and ride the shuttle bus to the show. We thought it was very organized and the staff were helpful and friendly. Security was good. I agree the seats are too close, but it was worth it. We left very happy.
By TXn
September 26, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
BACKYARD TAKE NOTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This place was destined to fail. Sometimes I wonder who throws all this money around, do they even THINK about what may happen???
I think you pegged it here Joe: ”Cedar Park seems designed as a destination venue, a place for folks who don’t go to see all that much live music to see a concert, perhaps the only concert they will see that year”
PLUS, straitfan’s comment: “they made the seeting for the tiny people of Liliput, an indigenous group of people who stand 3 feet tall and have no need for leg room. Be prepared to eat your knees, and get very quaint with your neighbors. I mean COME ON!!! Only 4 inches from end of the seat cushion to the back of seat in front of you. You must straddle the back of the seat in front of you and hope to God you are sitting by short people on both sides of youself.”
By Mavs
September 26, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this
Getting to the parking lot was rough. And we were in line on 183A at 6:45. Access to the Cedar Park Center needs to be improved. A whole bunch. Can’t knock anything about the show. LeAnn, great. George, what can you say. I was hoping George would perform at least till midnight based on the cost of the tickets, but not to be. Still, great music, great time and a great show.
By Georgeis#1
September 26, 2009 5:43 PM | Link to this
George is always “ACES”…he hasn’t changed since I saw him at the Skate Skeller in 1977. Amazing. The seats were horrible. I still have the indents in my knees from the seat in front of me. Thank God the guy next to me was cute and his wife did not mind me knocking knees with him. I will not go back for anything other than George at that arena.
By DG
September 26, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this
got within a mile of the event @ 7:15pm (George Strait) turned away from parking 3 different times and areas. Cops told us to go to the bus pickup by the Cinemark. Finally got in the concert @ 9:30pm. That wasn’t too bad, it’s George Strait, but the facility is horrible. My group of 4 ranged from 5’2” to 5’ 11” everyones knees were shoved in the back or in between the seats in front of us. Whoever designed this needs to sit in the seats for 24 hours and maybe they would fire themselves at that point. We will NEVER go back. Good luck on spending more money to fixing this horrible seating arrangement.
By Travis
September 26, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this
We enjoyed George Strait and Lee Ann Womack last night but the facility in Cedar Park leaves a lot to be desired. I will be writing a letter to the Cedar Park, Texas Chamber of Commerce later today to tell them the tax payers got screwed. The Cedar Park PD is woefully lacking in their traffic control skills or they just don’t care because traffic control was absent both arriving for the event and even more so while leaving. Young parking lot attendants finally came out and tried their best to get some kind of control over cars leaving the parking lot and entering the main exit out of the area. The seating is horrible to say the least, I barely fit into the seats and could not put my feet flat on the floor because the seats were so close together one could not fit legs into the space and the sound system was breaking up and you could hear static constantly. For what they charged for each ticket we should have had plush seating by the stage and several of the people around us felt the same. The young couple sitting just to my right finally left half way through the event because they were so uncomfortable. George Strait is and always will be a class act and would be surprised if he ever plays this venue again.
By David Carmichael
September 26, 2009 8:31 PM | Link to this
You must not have been sitting in the seats where I was because it seems like you would have notice how horrible close the seats were to each other. My wife and I sat in Section 121, OK not close to the stage, and I had my knee jammed into the seat in front of me. It was the most uncomfortable event I have ever attend. My wife who is much short than me also was uncomfortable. Every time someone needed to get by you had no choice but to stand up because there was absolutely no room. The level of greed to make a new facility with such crappy seating is absolutely shocking. I think this facility will develop a very bad reputation because of this. Good greif, spend all that money to build a place and make it so uncomfortable for the customers that they will not want to come back. How stupid is that?
By Robert
September 26, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this
Attended last night. The King was great as usual, and the arena was truly amazing. We didn’t experience the parking issues others are mentioning, we stayed on 183a and did the u-turn. There was no waiting. Took about five minutes from the time we hit the property until we were walking in, but there were long lines at the southern entrance. I thought the sound was very good, and the seats very comfortable. I wasn’t expecting the arena to be THAT nice, just incredible. We’ll be back often, in fact we’re buying Kelly Clarkson tickets for the family tonight. Well done, Cedar Park Center! Well done King!
By jeff
September 26, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
Based on everyone’s comments here apparently Robert either went to a completely different concert than everyone else or he must work for the city of Cedar Park
By Adam
September 26, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
I agree with Jeremiah. Traffic control and parking coordination were the worst I have ever experienced at a venue of any size. We came to a standstill at 183A and 1431, and were not parked for another 90 minutes! I’m really not kidding, it really did take that long. It’s so frustrating to purchase a ticket that has been priced at such a premium, only to miss the entire opening act because you can’t get to the venue! Getting out was a big mess as well. You would think for $15 parking, the venue would put some manpower into assiting with entry and exit. We loved George Strait, but we will NEVER be back to the Cedar Park Center.
By La Reyna
September 26, 2009 10:36 PM | Link to this
We opted out of seeing George Strait for one reason – the EXORBITANT TICKET PRICE! Not that affordability was a problem but then, my financial sensibility is why I still have money in the bank.
I have been to several George Strait concerts since the early 1980s from Austin to Houston to Las Vegas, and never paid over $100 for a ticket. Now after reading about the lousy legroom, logistics issues, and parking problems at the new Cedar park venue, I am glad I didn’t go.
Love George, but my husband and I flat refuse to pay that kind of money for a concert, even George Strait.
By jSS
September 26, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this
What do you people expect? It’s Cedar Park……..
By Patrick
September 27, 2009 6:44 AM | Link to this
By JN
September 27, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Folks are complaining about the seat sizes at the venue, but could it be that the problem is not with the seats themselves, but with the user’s own personal “bulk?” Just a thought!
By dennisl59
September 27, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this
The seating was designed by the same people who will be in charge of National Health Care!!! How do you like them apples, eh?
By LarrySchuler
September 27, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
TOO BAD the Statesman REMOVED earlier comments about CHEAP TICKETS sold in the last few days - just to say it was “SOLD OUT”…
The City might be responsible for the traffic, but Hicks is responsible for parking fees and all arena operations. They will not likely be receptive to critics…
The City of Cedar Park got $1 for every ticket. That’s all!
By gsfan
September 27, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
Love George Strait. Music was fantastic. But the seating was absolutely the worst I’ve seen. My husband and I are average size (5 ft and 5 ft 11), but could not fit comfortably in the seats. Just no leg room. Luckily the seat next to us was empty. Anyone that’s over 4 ft tall or has long legs will not be comfortable in these seats! Food and drink prices are high also. Didn’t have problem with traffic and parking, but then we arrived just before 6:30. But 15.00 for parking is a bit steep also. Won’t be back.
By Ed Armstrong
September 27, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this
When Austin 360 announced Wilco was playing here, I made some comments asking who would want to drive 20 miles out of Austin in horrible traffic and be stuck in an isolated parking lot in the suburbs. Several people attacked me for asking that question. Now they realize that they should have been asking the same questions. The people building this should have asked those questions. Who wants to go park in a mall parking lot to take a shuttle to the Center? If Cap Metro ever gets it’s act together, the train could help make an easy trip. The cramped seating will be expensive to fix, I don’t have any suggestions there.
By Diane
September 27, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
I hope the center takes note of all these comments and works on the problems. They should seriously redo the seating. Also, training your employees who direct parking to be more courteous to people, some of them were very rude to us.
By Michele
September 27, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
George was awesome as usual…the facilities were very nice and the customer service was very good. Hello, the seating at the Erwin Center is worse than the Cedar Park Center…I think all was good, I don’t know what everyone was expecting. Of course food & drink prices are high…so is the Frank Erwin Center and any venue you go to…the circus was outrageous but people pay the prices…no one if forcing you to buy the stuff. True Strait fans would pay anything to see that man and I would do it again and again to see him. He is a true country singer…next time all the complainers stay home and let other fans that couldn’t go enjoy him. I would go back to the Cedar Park Center again to see artists, shows and anyother venues they have. Nice place and the employees were all nice to us. Maybe we should think about the old saying…treat others as you would like to be treated!!!!
By Adam
September 27, 2009 9:58 PM | Link to this
Let me first say that I was initially really excited about being able to attend such a great concert, but was bitterly disappointed in the end. It all began upon traveling to the Cedar Park Center and having to wait an hour on 183A from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To my amazement we were all waiting on a red light. Finally after much distress to the event goers, police arrived and directed traffic to smoothen things out. By this time, it was almost 8:30 p.m. and my family and I still haven’t arrived at the event center. We followed the line of traffic around the many small side streets leading up the event center to finally find a parking spot. Once again to my amazement, we arrived at the parking lot by 9:30 and was told that the parking lot was full and that we needed to find parking arrangements elsewhere. According to the traffic coordinator, it had been closed since 8:00 p.m. My question is this, “Where is the information breakdown”? My family and definitely many more would not have chosen to sit in a line for more than an hour and a half had there been some sort of communication to the paying customers. Therefore, we traveled a bit more and found parking at the Buffalo Wild Wings and caught a bus to the event. By this time it was already 10:15 and we had missed Lee Ann Womack, plus George Strait was already well into his set of songs. I must say that George Strait played excellent and give him and his Ace in the Hole band many accolades. After the concert, I was still really excited about finally being able to see George Strait, but was once again disappointed at seeing the long line of other customers waiting on the bus. It’s not that I am against riding on a bus, but it was really intriguing that the busses available to ride were only offered to the Cedar Park Center employees. It is crazy to me to see the employees being able to leave before the customers, who probably paid their salary, are able to leave. It seemed to me that the total lack of customer service was the main issue. Once more, the security was almost non-existent. It was as if the event center had hired complete armatures to secure the place. I spoke with many couples who were able to walk directly from their seat to the stage without being asked once to produce a ticket. It seemed in almost complete disorder. To put in plainly, I am furious because the amount of money that I spent ($747.02) to have a nice night out with my family turned into a complete disaster. I feel severely mistreated and will definitely share my experience with others. Let me be clear, I feel a total lack of trust towards the Cedar Park Center and would bet many other feel the same way too.
By SeaToby
September 27, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
I have been to several arenas, I found the Cedar Park Center seats Sunday afternoon as large as any for legroom and the hind end. What did you expect, a couch or a recliner?
The Strait concert was sold out…. There weren’t any traffic problems Sunday afternoon, with about 2000 attending the hockey game.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hockey game. So sorry you fat Strait fans found the seats to small. I suggest you give the Cedar Park police a few full dates to work out its traffic congestion problems…. Its not like they have had this much traffic before….
By John
September 27, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
The seating at this place is the most horrible I’ve ever experienced. I’ve had season tickets to the UT Mens Basketaball at Erwin Center for over 25 years. I can tell you the Erwin center seating is 100X better than the Cedar Park Center. Never will I return.
By Patrick
September 28, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this
Regarding the parking lot being full. Which one?
At 5:00 the south parking lot was being used. Only that one.
When we finally were let in the facility at 6:30, the north parking lot was practically empty.
Why?
By Dean
September 28, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this
Does anybody here remember opening day @ Dell Diamond 10 yrs ago? I was pumped up to see the military flyover and to see Nolan Ryan throw the 1st pitch, but was stuck in traffic outside the stadium. I was quite frustrated, but they did eventually figure out the traffic logistics, after some trial and error. Expect the same in Cedar Park.
As far as the prices and small seats, don’t expect change there…
By Don in Leander
September 28, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this
Here’s a different POV…I worked the event as an usher. I heard a lot about the traffic. You can plan all you want but until the event actually happens you don’t know where the bottlenecks will be. Preparations for that will definitely improve from what I hear. It has to. FYI,from 183A you can go north of the CPC and take a u-turn to avoid the northbound traffic. Yes, beer is expensive at $8 for 20oz and $6 for a bottle. Its a new event center so no surprise. $5.50 at Dell Diamond is too expensive also, they’ve got a lot more games, and it was built 10 years ago. Seats are indeed small, especially in the 200’s sections, aka, “loge.” I’m 6’1” 240# and I fit semi-ok. For a couple of hours its tolerable. The fold down seats at ice level would be roomier for those with a wider seatprint because the arms fold up. I had a lot of large hockey fans in my section on Sunday and they were happy to be watching some good hockey. Ticket prices—it seats ~8000. Tickets for GS at Jonestown-Arlington were over $100 and the sound was awful. Parking at $15 beats the $80 parking there. IJS.
At CPC the sound was excellent. Dell crew and Erwin crew co-workers said the sound was much better than those venues.
If you had a bad experience I’d ask that you’d give it another chance before you pass judgement. We’re all on a learning curve here. And the quality of hockey is really quite good.
By Brooke
September 28, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this
Okay dennisl59 while I would normally agree with your statement in the case of airlines and other tiny bleacher type seats… I have to disagree totally in the case of the CP Events Center. I am 5’7 and no where near being over weight. My husband is 6’0 and also totally in shape. These really were the most ridiculous seats ever made! I have a picture to prove it. There was 3 inches between the seat bottom and the back of the next seat. Your only prayer of not breaking your knee caps was to sit with your knees in the crease between the two seats in front of you. This was after it took us 2 hours to go 3.5 miles and by the grace of the traffic gods, our friends called and warned us to go over to the 1890 parking lot so we were able to turn right instead of left. One minor issue, the buses can’t take you over to the events center because they must fight the same traffic with no help from the CP Police. So we waited on the bus for 25 minutes and finally decided to do something “crazy”. We got off of the bus and walked across the tollroad, up New Hope, through the parking lot, and finally arrived 5 minutes before GS took the stage.
Imagine our surprise when we sat down with no leg room and our $8.50 beer and $4.25 water.
I will not be going back for a long long time, if ever. And I do think that there are some seats that have good leg room - the handicapped ones, the ones on the railing of the deck, and the ones around the hockey wall at the bottom. If you are in any other seats - I wouldn’t pay more than $20.00 for them - certainly not $160.50!!! Whoever is in charge of that place should be ashamed and in this day and age with twitter and blogs you can bet that rumor will travel fast!
By TXn
September 28, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
George (I am sure aweseome) Cedar Park Center = 1-2years MAX.
Keep Music in Austin, not the suburbs!
By djc
September 28, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Questions: are people complaining about the permanent seats around the arena or the chairs they set up on the floor just for the concert? were the seats on the floor any better or worse than the permanent seats? i’ve got floor seats for wilco and was wondering what the expect. Thanks.
By TXn
September 28, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
Why can’t someone make a place that is Better than Cedar Park/Austin Music Hall/Erwin Center.
They all suk, because they are not MADE for concerts!!! Ugh. BACKYARD, I cannot wait to kiss the grass!!! + 7500 will help us get acts that Cedar Park are wasting money on.
By Patrick
September 28, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
My seat was in section 109. Good seat location, but sorry construction.
The seats on the floor were folding chairs. I believe that those on the floor stood the whole time so they could see as everyone was standing on the floor.
Those in charge did not control people coming to the stage to take pictures and it got very congested toward the end of the performance.
Lots of luck.
By Chris
September 28, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this
Worst seats I’ve ever been in. I am use to seats being uncomfortable at venues, but generally you get accostumed to them after you sit down. Not the case with CPC. Absolutely no legroom or in the rear was apparent throughout show. I was worried about kneeing the guy in front of me in the head. I had a seat in an elbow so I had to share what little legroom I had in front of my seat with the other person who’s seat was in elbow. I didn’t even try to go get a beer as it would have been really inconvenient to cause everyone to get out of their seats to let me out. Sound system was horrible with static.
Luckily, we took the shuttle and it was basically the same experience I get for Houston Livestock show and rodeo’s shuttle (Granted, that event has a lot more people). Strait and Womack were great. Beer/water prices slightly higher than I expected, but I expect high prices so it wasn’t a big deal.
It will take an act as good as Strait to get me back to CPC unless I hear they pull about a third of the seats.
By 11jump40
September 28, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this
The reason for some varied comments on the permanent seating appears to be related to the lower in the bowl the more room the seats have. Although that is not saying much as I tried sitting in almost every end row seat out of curiosity and found the top 2/3 are probably 4 inches or LESS. Thanks again the village idiots of architectural design.
By nickie
September 28, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Lee Ann Womack was awesome and George Strait and the Ace in the Hole Band where excellent as usual (we love you guys). I enjoyed the show very much because the entertainers were fantastic! But, I am very shocked and angry! Imagine my surprise when I found out that the tickets that were recently released were only $60 and the handling charge was only $9.75. The day tickets went on sale I paid $161.50 for the ticket and $18.90 for the handling charge. That means the recently released seats are about 63% less than the original ticket price of comparable seats and the handling charge is about 50% less. That just does not seem fair to those of us that purchased our tickets the day they went on sale. So I guess the message that the Cedar Park Center is sending is if you are willing to run the risk of not getting to see the show, wait to buy your tickets until the last minute so the venue will discount them just to put a butt in the open seats. FYI, Cedar Park Center, the stage needs to be a little taller so the seats on the floor can see the entertainers from their seats instead of just on the big screen TVs. Also, the security staff need to be better prepared to handle guests that are standing on chairs or that are too intoxicated to remain in the audience. The beer vendors may be ok for a hockey game but they were disruptive at a concert.
By Adrian
September 28, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this
I was bummed that I was not going to be able to afford to go to this concert as I really wanted to see George in this more intimate, smaller venue. But I was one of those who searched Craigslist the day of the concert (it happened to be my payday). I came across a ticket broker that was selling the $161 dollar tickets for $125 apiece. I jumped at the chance and bought two for $250. No convenience fees, no handling charges. I wondered how that was even possible but nonetheless I took the tickets and ran to the show. It took exactly one hour to get from west Austin to the parking lot. I got there early (like you should for a concert) so I was able to get great parking. To me, it doesn’t even seem necessary to have a “sports complex” isolated in the burbs when half the residents of CP moved out there to get away the burdens of “the city”, like traffic, which is exactly all that this place is going to bring. Lee Ann’s set was good but there was this irritating crackling noise in the speakers that you think would’ve been corrected during soundcheck but it persisted throughout her whole set. I love her music and she was good but like most everyone else, I couldn’t wait to have George onstage. Sure enough, his band kicks it off and he struts out like the king he is and proceeds to put on an amazing show. His vocals were flawless. And lo and behold, no crackling sound coming out of the speakers. Professional sound coming from professional musicians and one King of Country music. Garth Brooks would have to fly over the crowd on a cable to generate the same applause the George received just by standing there and smiling. It amazes me everytime. I will say that the customer service of the employees was outstanding, prompt and no hassle. The Center itself sucks. Like everyone else, the minute we slid into our row I thought to myself, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I’m 5’6” and 150lbs. and I was completely uncomfortable the whole show. It must’ve been terrible for even larger people. I sat there in between sets and just thought how much this place is going to bomb. I don’t live anywhere near CP and have absolutely no reason to go back there. If I really want to catch a hockey game, I’ll make the trip to Dallas and see the real Stars. George Strait: they don’t call him the King for nothing. Pure class act. Cedar Park Center: Epic Fail.
By Jim
September 29, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
What a show! The King was fantastic, and the arena was magnificent. I sat in the same seats everyone else did, and thought it was more than fine. Padded, and no worse than standard legroom. TV’s everywhere on the concourse, and the video on the scorboard in the center was absolutely brilliant. Getting in and out was a breeze with the toll road. I’ll attend many concerts here!
By LarrySchuler
September 29, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
Cedar Park Center puts you in the city’s hottest action, entertainment and dining with amenities that treat you like a star.
We are pleased to offer LUXURY SUITE leases, providing you and your company a host of premium opportunities for entertaining employees, clients and prospects.
Enjoy your own private suite for ALL Cedar Park Center events including Texas Stars hockey, concerts, family shows, rodeos, other sporting events and more.
• Get the VIP treatment you deserve with full-event suite attendant service. • Create a catering experience with an upscale menu of food and beverage choices. • Park close with VIP parking passes. • Keep your beverages safe in your suite with your own locking refrigerator. • Eat, drink, and celebrate the occasion with access to great restaurants and bars.
From the Cedar Park Center’s website, Suite information.
THIS IS WHAT YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCIL VOTED TO GIVE THEMSELVES WITH OUR MONEY. Enjoy!
By Alex
September 29, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t complain here, go straight to the source so your thoughts/opinions are for sure to be heard.
email: events@cedarparkcenter.com
By Paul
November 23, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this
Cedar Park got taken and built a white elephant that looks great but the seats are made for small children. No adult could begin to sit with their knees in front of them. My wife is 5’7” and hers hit the seatback in front which we measured at about five inches from seat cushion edge to seatback. Some architectural firm was in over its head and had no idea what they were doing (except collecting on their contract).