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 CONNECT WITH US Website: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.com Ryan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchuk Terra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypants TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtx Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtx Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx —----------------------- LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunes Spotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify —----------------------- PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOS https://www.fortywolves.com