Branson and Northwest Arkansas 2015

[thelarsonsix]

What I mean by that is Branson should not sell its soul to attract more visitors. There is a demographic out that seeking "family values" type experiences and that is the demographic that Branson needs to be targeting.  Keep the shows rated "G" and relevant at the same time.

I completely agree.

I'm 40 and I have 3 kids. We like fishing and camping and hiking. All things I can do in the Branson area, without even setting foot in Branson unless I want to. Maybe I am the "lake of the Ozarks" crowd.

No you're actually not, because if you've ever spent much time at LOTO you will see that statement #1 contradicts statement #2. There is very little "family" anything left. There is still some nature, a very nice state park, a couple of caves, a token go kart track or two and that's about it. Everything else is either a bar, restaurant/bar, marina/bar, or condo.

[chittlins]

Branson will never be Vegas and it shouldn't try to be.

What I mean by that is Branson should not sell its soul to attract more visitors. There is a demographic out that seeking "family values" type experiences and that is the demographic that Branson needs to be targeting.  Keep the shows rated "G" and relevant at the same time.
[/quote]

Sweet Jesus.

I've suggested an hotel/arena that brings in all the traveling kiddie shows. I just went to Little Rock with my son to catch Marvel Live. Like the Ringling Bros and the other Disney shows I've gone to at Verizon Arena, the only the lower bowl was used and by the time you nix the stage end you got maybe 6000 seats. I like throwing out the Independence Mo Event Center as an example for a smaller arena for NWA to replace old Barnhill. It doesn't have to have suites, just a solid 5,000  to 6,000 seats. Hotel can sell ticket/room packages or just sell tickets to folks in the region for a day trip. It brings people in. I think of the Embassy in Hot Springs that's attached to the convention center that has an arena Now how is something like that not keeping it G rated. Can host a concert as well as special events like basketball tourneys, cheerleading competitions, on and on. Things that bring folks from the outside and get hotel rooms at non group on rates.

You ever been to Fayetteville? Dickson St? Here is a street in about a mile in length, has a brew pub, bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, banks, Arts Center and large churches all intermingled. There's no issues with having some of everything, NONE! Branson is no different. If you shun a town that offers PLENTY of family value stuff like Sight and Sound and SDC and other stuff some of this board has offered up in numerous threads cause it's got some bars and a micro distillery and/or micro brew. I CAN"T HELP YOU and there's not much reasoning to be done. There can be plenty for all, DINCs, Blue Hairs, outdoorsy types, indoorsy type, and families from your typical two kid outfits to Duggarsized ones. Who, by the way, suck it up and buy mass quantities at Sam's that, gasp, has liquor and beer. That's a sight to see........once. Hades, Harrsion went wet.

Heritage USA didn't make it, though the scoundrel behind it has set up shop in Branson.

Rant over, where's my Boulevard

[Joy]

I turn 30 this year, so I am smack dab in the middle of that 20-40 age range. So here are my thoughts:

My main reason to go to Branson is for SDC. In the last 5+ years, I've only been IN Branson two or three times. Typically, we take the Ozark Mountain Highroad to go straight to SDC and completely circumvent the main strip altogether.

One of my favorite shows in Branson growing up was the Hughes Brothers, and judging by their website, I'd say they've continued to evolve their show to include more and more modern stuff. I always liked how they had a whole "Western/Country" set, but then they'd have a whole bit with Broadway tunes and stuff like that as well.

I enjoyed going to the Hollywood Wax Museum, but if you compare it to Madame Tussauds (which, in addition to Vegas, is in two Cali cities, Orlando, New York, & DC - zero in the middle of the country), it's... meh. Considering there are zero Tussauds in the Midwest, I think it'd be cool if they could bring one to Branson. Either buy out HWM's space, or find their own space. I mean, they co-exist just fine in other cities, though admittedly if there was a Tussauds in Branson, I'd be choosing it over HWM.

I love mini-golf. I've not been to many of Branson's courses, but I want to. HWM's new Hollywood-themed mini golf looks like SO much fun. I really enjoy the indoor golf at Grand Country; that's a course my family has been going to for years. I also really enjoyed the 3D blacklight mini golf in the smaller building in the Grand Country complex.

I've not been to any of the go-kart tracks. I'd like to, though. Just haven't had the time/money because we tend to just plan for SDC when we go to Branson.

Branson Landing is fun to walk through, but it'd be cool if it was a little more like Legends in Kansas. I am in LOVE with Legends. They have Dave & Busters, the T-Rex Restaurant (which I adore), a comedy club (which I've not been to, but has had some pretty awesome guests), great outlet stores, and the Legends movie theater is BEAUTIFUL.

I really want to go to the Butterfly Palace. I think an aquarium of some sort would be really cool in Branson.

Despite my relatively young age, SDC's main appeal for me has always been its theme, so I want it to continue to keep to the theme with new additions. I love rides, but I also enjoying stuff like the Saloon Show and watching craftsmen work and stuff. What SDC is doing now needs to be what they continue to do. However, I feel like there needs to be more atmospheric music. The last few times I've gone, it just somehow felt like I wasn't hearing as much bluegrass and stuff coming from the hidden speakers around the park. And I will always be against playing Oldies or Modern music in the park, unless the modern music is modern country. I definitely prefer the instrumental atmospheric bluegrass, but if they feel they need "more upbeat" "modern" music, I'm fine if it's still within the country genre.

Outside of SDC, though, I do have to admit that I've never really been interested in either the Baldknobbers or Presleys. I like hillbilly humor, but I feel it fits best at SDC, where it's part of the overall theme. Branson, on the other hand, needs to modernize in order to bring in the younger generations.

I actually sat and spent probably close to two hours poring over that huge plan book for Branson's main strip renovations. AND I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. It modernizes the strip but keeps things simple enough that it doesn't get as gaudy as Vegas. It has a very streamlined, classy look, and I LOVE the nature aspects that they want to incorporate, with little city parks and all that. If they can do everything they put in that book, Branson will be WELL on its way to creating a new, more modern appeal.

Finally, for now, BROADWAY. Right now, the only Broadway shows Kansas City or Springfield get are tours. But imagine if we could have a theater that HOUSES a Broadway-caliber show, like Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas! That's where I'd love to see some Vegas slip into Branson -- Broadway and shows like Cirque du Soleil. Oh, and for goodness' sake, someone needs to renovate the Grand Palace and bring in huge acts like, say, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift (OMG I would be so excited for Taylor to be there). I mean, SPRINGFIELD has gotten Elton John, Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, and more! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JQH_Arena) And that's just at the Arena; Adam Lambert performed at Hammons Hall next door.

So right now, Branson has very little musical appeal to the college age kids in the Springfield area, because they're getting their fix right there on campus.

Oookay. I think I'm done rambling for now. Sorry about that. Just thought I'd give some input from the perspective of a 30-year-old agnostic bisexual liberal democrat college student. I point those things out about myself because I just want to show that even though I've evolved into who I am now as an adult, I STILL love SDC and Branson just as much as I did when I was a straight church-going kid living in a conservative Christian household. HOWEVER, the appeal of Branson itself has worn off a bit, and I tend to only focus on SDC these days. Branson CAN appeal to many demos, but it needs to modernize (mostly music-wise, partly adding a bit more nightlife), or it's gonna get left behind.

PS: I LOVE that idea of a retro drive-in movie theater!

PPS: Chittlins has a good point: family-oriented stuff can easily co-exist beside adult-oriented stuff. Legends is a good example; you've got T-Rex and daytime hours of Dave & Busters for the families, then you've got the comedy club and nighttime hours of Dave & Busters for the adults.

[chittlins]

NWA is growing fast but many folks think it could explode. The founder of KC Southern once said the closest way to get to the gulf was thru NWA. Take a look at this.


The all important I-69/I-49 interstates.

Notice the hour glass from north to south, KC to Shreveport is the middle and look whats in the middle, NWA. Business analysts see this as the primer for explosive growth once these connections are made. Texas is furiously going after I-69
Lousianna is getting close with their parts of I-69. Arkansas is woefully the missing link. The Texarkana to Ft. Smith segment will be the last piece of this puzzle, it's incumbent on all states affected by the hour glass to help Arkansas seek the Federal appropriations needed to get this going ASAP. The growth could be a boon for SDC and the Branson area as it's a close off shout of what will be a MAJOR Mexico to Canada corridor.

[Citydweller84]

I turn 30 this year, so I am smack dab in the middle of that 20-40 age range. So here are my thoughts:

My main reason to go to Branson is for SDC. In the last 5+ years, I've only been IN Branson two or three times. Typically, we take the Ozark Mountain Highroad to go straight to SDC and completely circumvent the main strip altogether.

One of my favorite shows in Branson growing up was the Hughes Brothers, and judging by their website, I'd say they've continued to evolve their show to include more and more modern stuff. I always liked how they had a whole "Western/Country" set, but then they'd have a whole bit with Broadway tunes and stuff like that as well.

I enjoyed going to the Hollywood Wax Museum, but if you compare it to Madame Tussauds (which, in addition to Vegas, is in two Cali cities, Orlando, New York, & DC - zero in the middle of the country), it's... meh. Considering there are zero Tussauds in the Midwest, I think it'd be cool if they could bring one to Branson. Either buy out HWM's space, or find their own space. I mean, they co-exist just fine in other cities, though admittedly if there was a Tussauds in Branson, I'd be choosing it over HWM.

I love mini-golf. I've not been to many of Branson's courses, but I want to. HWM's new Hollywood-themed mini golf looks like SO much fun. I really enjoy the indoor golf at Grand Country; that's a course my family has been going to for years. I also really enjoyed the 3D blacklight mini golf in the smaller building in the Grand Country complex.

I've not been to any of the go-kart tracks. I'd like to, though. Just haven't had the time/money because we tend to just plan for SDC when we go to Branson.

Branson Landing is fun to walk through, but it'd be cool if it was a little more like Legends in Kansas. I am in LOVE with Legends. They have Dave & Busters, the T-Rex Restaurant (which I adore), a comedy club (which I've not been to, but has had some pretty awesome guests), great outlet stores, and the Legends movie theater is BEAUTIFUL.

I really want to go to the Butterfly Palace. I think an aquarium of some sort would be really cool in Branson.

Despite my relatively young age, SDC's main appeal for me has always been its theme, so I want it to continue to keep to the theme with new additions. I love rides, but I also enjoying stuff like the Saloon Show and watching craftsmen work and stuff. What SDC is doing now needs to be what they continue to do. However, I feel like there needs to be more atmospheric music. The last few times I've gone, it just somehow felt like I wasn't hearing as much bluegrass and stuff coming from the hidden speakers around the park. And I will always be against playing Oldies or Modern music in the park, unless the modern music is modern country. I definitely prefer the instrumental atmospheric bluegrass, but if they feel they need "more upbeat" "modern" music, I'm fine if it's still within the country genre.

Outside of SDC, though, I do have to admit that I've never really been interested in either the Baldknobbers or Presleys. I like hillbilly humor, but I feel it fits best at SDC, where it's part of the overall theme. Branson, on the other hand, needs to modernize in order to bring in the younger generations.

I actually sat and spent probably close to two hours poring over that huge plan book for Branson's main strip renovations. AND I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. It modernizes the strip but keeps things simple enough that it doesn't get as gaudy as Vegas. It has a very streamlined, classy look, and I LOVE the nature aspects that they want to incorporate, with little city parks and all that. If they can do everything they put in that book, Branson will be WELL on its way to creating a new, more modern appeal.

Finally, for now, BROADWAY. Right now, the only Broadway shows Kansas City or Springfield get are tours. But imagine if we could have a theater that HOUSES a Broadway-caliber show, like Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas! That's where I'd love to see some Vegas slip into Branson -- Broadway and shows like Cirque du Soleil. Oh, and for goodness' sake, someone needs to renovate the Grand Palace and bring in huge acts like, say, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift (OMG I would be so excited for Taylor to be there). I mean, SPRINGFIELD has gotten Elton John, Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, and more! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JQH_Arena) And that's just at the Arena; Adam Lambert performed at Hammons Hall next door.

So right now, Branson has very little musical appeal to the college age kids in the Springfield area, because they're getting their fix right there on campus.

Oookay. I think I'm done rambling for now. Sorry about that. Just thought I'd give some input from the perspective of a 30-year-old agnostic bisexual liberal democrat college student. I point those things out about myself because I just want to show that even though I've evolved into who I am now as an adult, I STILL love SDC and Branson just as much as I did when I was a straight church-going kid living in a conservative Christian household. HOWEVER, the appeal of Branson itself has worn off a bit, and I tend to only focus on SDC these days. Branson CAN appeal to many demos, but it needs to modernize (mostly music-wise, partly adding a bit more nightlife), or it's gonna get left behind.

PS: I LOVE that idea of a retro drive-in movie theater!

PPS: Chittlins has a good point: family-oriented stuff can easily co-exist beside adult-oriented stuff. Legends is a good example; you've got T-Rex and daytime hours of Dave & Busters for the families, then you've got the comedy club and nighttime hours of Dave & Busters for the adults.

I'm in the exact same position. I just turned 30 a few months ago. If I wasn't living in the area, there wouldn't be much that would attract me to the area outside SDC and WW. I like still going to the mini golf courses and go kart tracks. However they need to get more options out there for our age group.

Something like a Dave & Buster's would be great. I doubt they'd ever get an actual D&B down here, but it'd be perfect for everyone. The ideal site for one would be on the old CC site. I would definitely incorporate it into a whole entertainment area. Add to it with say an aquarium and a small arena venue, either indoor or outdoor. Something needs to be done with the site because to me its just an eyesore with an unused amusement park.

Something also needs to be done about increasing the musical variety in the shows. I'm not a fan of country or gospel so the majority of shows don't appeal to me. Branching out into more modern rock and Southern rock could be highly beneficial for attracting a younger crowd.

Without attempting to draw in a younger demographic along with the older demographic, Branson will be in serious trouble. I don't want to see one of my favorite vacation spots, or my current home, fade away.

[chittlins]

How will increasing variety of music help much. I ask that because as the cities in the region grows, so do the options. I've mentioned this before. NWA has an amp that's basically Walmart's baby. They will cover the cost of larger acts to play that venue and keep it very active. Here's some names announced so far for it this outdoor season

Kenny Chesney
Dave Matthews Band
Chicago
Steve Miller Band
Brantley Gilbert

Not to mention the second installment of Thunder on the Mountain down on the Pig Trail
That's got Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band headlining
http://thunderonthemountain.com/artist-lineup/

And... there's the surrounding casinos bringing in acts like Hard Rock in Tulsa from ZZ Top to Loretta Lynn

In duck hunting, we call that short stopping. Missouri is notorious of spreading out corn in their waterfowl rest areas to hold ducks in the area longer. That effects the need for them to Migrate further south or just to look around in the local area till froze out. You got lots of things now short stopping folks for music now. It's only going to get worse. The Quapaw have bought land along the Arkansas River in Little Rock, ancestral land, in the effort to build a casino. The recent ruling they got concerning the Kansas land that adjoins their casino outside Joplin bodes well for that endeavor. If Castle Rock gets their permit from Kansas, they are going to have an arena as part of theirs.   Again, this is not suggesting Branson needs casinos but that has been and is what's hurting Branson with
the older segment that really helped prop up the theater scene. That's not to say Branson can't still have music or a much wider variety of it. I'd love of SDC to bring in a B lister midweek outside of the bluegrass fest to prop up numbers as weekends need no help. It's value added.

[runner1960]

How will increasing variety of music help much. I ask that because as the cities in the region grows, so do the options. I've mentioned this before. NWA has an amp that's basically Walmart's baby. They will cover the cost of larger acts to play that venue and keep it very active. Here's some names announced so far for it this outdoor season

Kenny Chesney
Dave Matthews Band
Chicago
Steve Miller Band
Brantley Gilbert

Not to mention the second installment of Thunder on the Mountain down on the Pig Trail
That's got Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band headlining
http://thunderonthemountain.com/artist-lineup/

And... there's the surrounding casinos bringing in acts like Hard Rock in Tulsa from ZZ Top to Loretta Lynn

In duck hunting, we call that short stopping. Missouri is notorious of spreading out corn in their waterfowl rest areas to hold ducks in the area longer. That effects the need for them to Migrate further south or just to look around in the local area till froze out. You got lots of things now short stopping folks for music now. It's only going to get worse. The Quapaw have bought land along the Arkansas River in Little Rock, ancestral land, in the effort to build a casino. The recent ruling they got concerning the Kansas land that adjoins their casino outside Joplin bodes well for that endeavor. If Castle Rock gets their permit from Kansas, they are going to have an arena as part of theirs.   Again, this is not suggesting Branson needs casinos but that has been and is what's hurting Branson with
the older segment that really helped prop up the theater scene. That's not to say Branson can't still have music or a much wider variety of it. I'd love of SDC to bring in a B lister midweek outside of the bluegrass fest to prop up numbers as weekends need no help. It's value added.

To answer you question from my perspective as someone who is outside the area. I think the poster was talking about more permanent entertainment options. Let's face it Branson acts leave a lot to be desired for the younger set. Heck, they leave a lot to be desired for me in my 50's. I am not going to travel to NW Arkansas for a amphitheater show. It is just to far. Branson and SDC pull a lot of tourist from outside this area you have elaborated on. So, for those who come from SE Missouri , Kentucky, Tenn , Illinois and so on your NW Arkansas stuff is irrelevant to us. We can catch that kind of touring act closer to home. It is the nighttime local stuff that is short in the saddle. Now, if Branson were to have some 2 or 3 day music festivals covering all genres from Rap to Gospel  than that is a different story.

[chittlins]

It would take festivals because even though you aren't driving to NWA, you are driving past  other areas that offers it as well.

[okiebluegrass]

I go to Branson and NW Arkansas to get away from the city. I live in OKC, where we have casinos and bars and big name concerts and Bricktown and Dave and Busters. I can do all that here. Although, in Oklahoma, you can't buy liquor at Sam's Club. 

What can Branson and Northwest Arkansas offer that is different from OKC, yet still interesting enough to the younger generation that will make them want to come visit? I love the idea of a drive in theater and aquarium at CC.  I think that kind of thing would be a great start. I think that converting the grand palace back into what it started as... A venue to bring in out of town stars... is a great idea, too.

[chittlins]

Growth still Humming along. Word is that JB Hunt will build another tower at 7 stories and add around 1,000 employees in the next year or two:


REMARKABLE GROWTH, BEST IN STATE
PUBLISHED: MAY 26, 2015
The Northwest Arkansas cities of Fayetteville, Bentonville, Centerton, Goshen and Cave Springs were among the most remarkable growth stories in the most recent year, new U.S. Census Bureau estimates show.

The Bureau’s estimates, made public last week, show Fayetteville added 1,602 people to its population between July 1, 2013 and July 1, 2014. With 80,621 residents, Fayetteville added more people than any city in the state.

Four Northwest Arkansas cities – Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale — added more than 1,200 residents apiece, the Census estimates. They were the only Arkansas cities to add more than 1,000 people.

The Northwest Arkansas Council analyzed the Census estimates to learn more about the growth of the region's large and small cities.

Fayetteville, the home of the University of Arkansas, actually grew faster than far larger cities across the U.S., exceeding places such as Des Moines, Spokane, Tucson, Wichita, Tulsa and Springfield, Mo.

Bentonville, the home of Walmart Stores, Sam’s Club and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and its neighbor Centerton put up the state’s most impressive percentage growth rates among cities with more than 10,000 residents.

Centerton grew by 6 percent, and now has 11,193 residents.

Bentonville grew by 3.7 percent to reach 41,613 residents. It added more people (1,492) than much-larger Tucson (pop. 527,972), Tulsa (pop. 399,682) and Wichita (pop. 388,413).

Among the most interesting details from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates are related to the significant growth of small Arkansas cities, including Goshen and Cave Springs.

In fact, just 19 of the more than 19,000 cities in the U.S. exceeded the 14.37 percent growth rate of Goshen, a town with 1,433 residents that’s east of Fayetteville. Cave Springs, which is in Benton County, grew almost as fast, adding 301 residents and reaching a population of 2,455 (13.97 percent).

Five small Arkansas cities, in fact, ranked among the top 50 fastest-growing places in the U.S. Led by Goshen at No. 20, its  was followed by Cave Springs (No. 21), Brookland (28), Calico Rock (41) and Austin (45).

Other facts gleaned from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates:

Fayetteville added more people than just about every city in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. The exceptions were Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Mo.; Edmond, Okla.; and Overland Park, Kan.
Rogers and Springdale each added more people to their populations than the larger cities of Springfield, Mo.; Broken Arrow, Okla.; Garland, Texas; Anaheim, Calif.; and Newark, N.J.
Fayetteville since the 2010 Census has added more people than 19,376 out of the nation’s 19,510 cities. The city has 7,041 new residents since April 2010.
The population growth of Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville was remarkable in Arkansas, but each of those cities would have been the fastest-growing place in Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, Mississippi, Rhode Island and a few other states.