TempleLive Fort Smith Closes Amid Industry Challenges

The TempleLive Fort Smith entertainment venue has officially closed its doors, a decision that came sooner than owner Lance Beaty had anticipated.

 

On September 5, Beaty had indicated the possibility of hosting more concerts before ceasing operations.

 

However, escalating financial pressures, primarily stemming from the consolidation within online ticketing platforms and artist representation agencies, accelerated the closure.

 

Beaty, who leads the Rogers-based Beaty Capital Group (BCG), which owns TempleLive venues in Cleveland, Ohio; Peoria, Illinois; and Wichita, Kansas, expressed concerns about the challenges faced by independent venues in the current entertainment landscape.

 

He noted that the dominance of major ticketing platforms and artist agencies has made it increasingly difficult for smaller venues to compete.

 

By Saturday, the TempleLive Fort Smith website was no longer accessible, redirecting visitors to a "Page Not Found" message.

 

Similarly, the websites for the other TempleLive venues were also down.

 

Beaty had previously been exploring options to keep the venues operational and to address creditor concerns.

 

However, by Sunday, the decision was made to expedite the closure of all venues.

 

Beaty stated, "We determined it was best to be definitive, so the decision was made to pull down the remaining shows."

 

Regarding ticket refunds, Beaty assured that they should be available through the original point of purchase.

 

He explained, "Refunds are processed through the ticketing processor point of purchase they used to buy the ticket."

 

Typically, the ticketing company initiates the refund process by sending an email within a few days.

 

In a previous interview, Beaty specifically highlighted the challenges posed by major ticketing platforms, such as Live Nation, which he believes make it difficult for small venues to survive.

 

BCG acquired the historic 53,000-square-foot Masonic Temple in downtown Fort Smith in November 2014 for $2.5 million.

 

The three-story building, constructed in 1928, features numerous meeting rooms and a theater with a seating capacity of 900.

 

After approximately $5 million in renovations, it reopened as TempleLive in August 2017.

 

Following the Fort Smith project, BCG expanded by purchasing and renovating Masonic Temples in other cities, including a 200,000-square-foot historic temple in downtown Cleveland.

 

BCG invested over $8 million in that property, which opened just months before the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The closure of TempleLive Fort Smith marks the end of a significant chapter in the city's entertainment history.

 

The venue had become a cultural landmark, hosting numerous events and contributing to the local arts scene.

 

Its absence will undoubtedly be felt by the community and the broader entertainment industry.

 

As the landscape of live entertainment continues to evolve, the challenges faced by independent venues like TempleLive underscore the need for a more equitable system that supports diverse and local cultural institutions.

 

For patrons seeking refunds or more information, it is advisable to contact the ticketing service through which purchases were made.

 

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.