In this episode of the Best of Midland Texas Podcast, hosts Ryan Shewchuk and Terra Avery sit down with Ariel Hererra and Sean Elphick, co-owners of The Tailgate, the premier outdoor entertainment venue in Midland TX. They share their journey from a simple food truck park concept to a thriving live music destination that's changing the entertainment landscape in West Texas.
Sean and Ariel reveal the challenges of operating an outdoor venue in Midland's unpredictable weather and how they've adapted their business model to meet community needs. They discuss their commitment to customer experience, from partnering with Raising Canes for post-concert meals to implementing innovative safety measures for patrons.
The conversation explores The Tailgate's evolution, including their plans for a new, larger venue in 2026. Listeners will gain insights into the local music scene, the importance of community support, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving Midland's growth.
Don't miss exciting details about upcoming events, including "A Cowboy Christmas" - a month-long holiday extravaganza featuring ice skating, live music, and festive attractions for the whole family.
The Best of Midland Texas Podcast showcases local businesses and community leaders who are making a difference. Subscribe to hear more inspiring stories from the heart of West Texas.
Connect with The Tailgate on social media and visit their website to stay updated on upcoming shows and events. If you're an entrepreneur looking to make your mark in Midland TX, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.
Thank you to Sean and Ariel for sharing their story. Subscribe to the Best of Midland Texas Podcast for more local insights and business success stories.
Visit https://thetailgatemidland.com for tickets.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:43 - Original Concept of The Tailgate
04:55 - Outdoor Venue Pros and Cons
07:05 - Biggest Lesson Learned in 3 Years
12:12 - The Dynamic Duo: Visionary vs Integrator
16:48 - How TR Attracts Artists to Midland
19:20 - Indoor vs Outdoor Venue: The Struggle
22:27 - Favorite Moments from 3 Years
26:58 - Sean’s Panic Attack on Opening Day
31:12 - When You Felt You Had It Figured Out
33:00 - Treating Artists with Respect
34:29 - Preventing Drunk Driving
35:49 - Covering Uber Costs
37:01 - Importance of Customer Service
38:50 - Overdelivering Experiences
40:11 - What's Next for Togat
44:40 - Artists You Want to See at Togat
47:15 - Reasons Some Artists Aren't Booked
50:40 - Cowboy Christmas at the Tailgate
52:20 - Final Thoughts
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Terra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypants
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PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOS
https://www.fortywolves.com
