SomaCowA Switching Of Downtowns?
(Photo courtesy of clubzone.com)
It’s been widely known as one of the staple places to go to see nationally touring acts since the 90’s when Downtown Disney was built. Bounce back and forth between it and Hard Rock Live, and they are by far the two most widely known musical venues ever to hit Central Florida.
With the addition of the glistening new Amway Center, set to open in October of this year, the new UCF Arena, Firestone Live drawing bigger and bigger headliners and The Social bringing in widely-known performers to an intimate setting, Orlando’s musical venue options are undoubtedly on the rise.
However, Downtown Disney is a long way from Downtown Orlando, and there are always complaints about the drive, traffic and a lack of an urban core that makes up the larger stages in the attractions area. What many locals like about the Orange Avenue venues are features that some view to be a complaint – they’re not big, they don’t hold thousands of people, and they can’t incorporate a large traveling tour.
But what would it be like for Downtown Orlando to score one of those larger venues? What if one of the big dogs were to be within walking distance from the Central Business District?
It might not be as far-fetched as you think.
The House Of Blues will have a decision to make in the next couple of years as to whether or not they want to renew their lease on Disney property and remain in Downtown Disney, and through sources inside to the company, there are rumors that the national chain has been looking to connect with the growing Downtown area and have been scouting a new location in which to move the concert venue to in central Downtown Orlando.
What would this mean for the music industry in the Downtown area? How would this affect the local music scene? Is this overkill, or could the concept of having the House Of Blues here actually be a good one?
New clubs, restaurants, a 7-Eleven and additional retail spaces have been popping up, with a cluster of places opening in conjunction with the grand opening of the new arena. And with the possibility of H.O.B. relocating in 2013, the Downtown Revitalization Project seems to be well on it’s way to being a great thing for the entertainment industry in an area once largely occupied by empty shops and condos. Slowly but surely, lots of changes are coming.
Would it be good or bad if the House Of Blues comes to Downtown Orlando? Leave your opinion below.
I think it’s a fabulous idea, I would absolutely respect the decision of HOB to move downtown and to become a part of our already vibrant and worthwhile downtown. There is a lot of opportunity for them to be there, and the types of shows that they can bring downtown would go well and complement the larger acts that headline the Amway.
I really do hope they do this, for themselves, and for Orlando.
All for it. What I hope House of Blues (and others) consider is that Orlando’s downtown footprint has a lot of room to grow and the right venue (such as this) could define the area around it while at the same time, not suffer during the time it takes others to move in. How about somewhere near the Colonial Plaza (or even have it eat up a chunk of that eyesore?)
I also think this is an excellent idea. Downtown is screaming for a venue that can accommodate many people while retaining some semblance of show quality. Although Firestone Live brings in many large crowds, it’s definitely not built for wall-to-wall people to have a quality experience (instead patrons shove in, and half have to view half the show from the sides or look on from behind Plexiglas. The Plaza Theater has good acoustics, but its seated approach just isn’t ideal for acts that are more upbeat. A HOB atmosphere with a sound system and space engineered for larger shows would be heaven sent. I know my fingers are crossed!
No offense to Disney, but the majority of people attending these shows HAVE to be residents, not tourists. That said, I can confidently speak on behalf of myself and my friends that we would attend FAR more shows if HoB was located downtown. Since drinking and driving is a risk we are not willing to take, cab rides cost a pretty penny, and the commute is such a hassle. I really hope this happens, it could be the best move they make!