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Large March concert permit postponed after council questions traffic, safety
Summary
A proposed ticketed music event, 'Swampy Tonk / Mudbugs' planned for March 28 at Pigpen Barbecue was postponed to March 3 after council raised concerns about traffic at US‑290/12, emergency access, security staffing and trash/restroom plans; staff and the applicant were directed to refine plans and coordinate with ESDs and law enforcement.
Councilors on Feb. 17 voted to postpone consideration of a special‑event and temporary road‑closure permit for 'Swampy Tonk / Mudbugs,' a ticketed music event proposed for March 28 near Pigpen Barbecue, after extended discussion about traffic, emergency access and staffing.
Johnna, the city’s community events coordinator, said the one‑day event would use the Pigpen Barbecue property and portions of Hayes Street and South College Street, with an attendance cap initially described in staff materials as 1,000 and parking arrangements that include use of First Baptist Church property. Applicant representatives said the event is ticketed, that they had contracted security and EMT coverage, planned fencing with single point of ingress/egress and had arranged multiple parking areas.
Council members expressed concern about queueing and access at the US‑290/12 intersection on a Saturday, emergency response access if 290 becomes backed up, and whether private security and a small number of contracted guards would be adequate for traffic control. Several council members proposed capping attendance near 500 or requiring law enforcement staffing comparable to Ranch Park protocols. Concerns were also raised about restrooms, trash containment and neighborhood impacts if the site floods or rain forces dispersed parking.
The applicant agreed to work with staff, ESDs and law enforcement to refine plans and said they could consider a 500‑person cap. Council voted to postpone the permit to the March 3 council meeting and directed staff and the applicant to return with refined traffic, emergency and security plans, and to coordinate with emergency services and the constable.
