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Visit Dallas: Can you share the story of this business - how it started and how it’s grown into what it is today?

Longhorn Ballroom: The Longhorn Ballroom was established in 1950 for country music legend Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, originally called Bob Wills' Ranch House. After a period under the management of Jack Ruby (yes, that Jack Ruby), it came into the capable hands of ‘Dewey’ Groom, who renamed it the Longhorn Ballroom. Groom transformed the venue into one of the greatest of its time, hosting a wide variety of acts across numerous genres. Country legends like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Charley Pride were regular performers. Soul and blues artists such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, and James Brown included the Longhorn as part of their regular circuits, while rock and punk legends like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Motörhead, the Ramones, and the Sex Pistols electrified the venue. Reopened in 2023, the Ballroom has already been named the Best Music Venue in Dallas multiple times. It continues to host a diverse array of artists and events, and with the official opening of the Backyard Amphitheater in the spring of 2026, the Longhorn will be able to reach an even wider audience and entertain more guests.

Visit Dallas: What makes this business special or unique within its Dallas neighborhood?

Longhorn Ballroom: The Longhorn is a one-of-a-kind, authentic venue that has been meticulously restored to honor its legendary history while also providing the modern conveniences demanded by today’s concert and event-goers. Situated along the original banks of the Trinity River, just a mile from Downtown Dallas, the Longhorn is conveniently located between Deep Ellum, the Farmers Market, and Bishop Arts. The entire campus covers six acres and is one of the few venues in North Texas that can accommodate events ranging from 400 to 2,000 people inside the Ballroom with additional capacity for up to 5,000 people in the Courtyard and Backyard Amphitheater.

Visit Dallas: What do you think keeps people coming back?

Longhorn Ballroom: The Longhorn Ballroom embodies Texas music history, coupled with great legacy and emerging artists, a fun atmosphere, and excellent service. The Ballroom exudes authenticity and Texas grit - past, present, and future.

Visit Dallas: In your view, what does this business add to the culture, creativity, flavor, or personality of the city?

Longhorn Ballroom: The Longhorn Ballroom has been recognized as Texas' Most Historic Music Venue, embodying an authentic and larger-than-life personality. Its 75-year history is rich with tales of colorful characters who have owned or performed at the venue. Today, the Longhorn embraces the spirit of its legendary past while providing patrons with its signature Texas hospitality in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Visit Dallas: If someone visited for the first time, what should they absolutely not miss?

Longhorn Ballroom: Arrive early to fully explore the Ballroom. Upon entering the historic doors, you'll be welcomed by the Longhorn’s Hall of Fame, featuring original images of the artists who have graced the stage. The Longhorn Collection showcases memorabilia that narrates the colorful stories from its 75-year history. Of course, guests should plan to enjoy a signature cocktail in the Proprietor’s Lounge while viewing the Legend of the Longhorn mural. All of this is a perfect complement to the main attraction: the performance by today’s artist on the legendary stage.

Visit Dallas: What’s on the horizon that you’re excited about, whether it’s a new idea, a seasonal offering, an expansion, or something simple you’re proud of?

Longhorn Ballroom: The Ballroom is the centerpiece and main attraction of the campus, but there is much more to discover. With the restoration and reopening of the original motel, followed by the Backyard Amphitheater, the Longhorn is evolving into more than just a venue; it is becoming a campus for creatives. It now includes an independent apparel shop, a boutique art gallery, a television production studio, a co-working space for creative professionals, multiple live-work artist studios, and three fast-casual boutique restaurants, all contributing to its vibrant present and future.