About The Lot
The Lot is an innovative open-air event space in downtown Shreveport, located at 400 Crockett Street. It occupies the site of the old SporTran bus terminal, complete with its iconic white scalloped canopy designed by Evans & Evans in 1985. This soaring, sail-like structure – once featured in Architectural Digest – has been repurposed into a vibrant gathering spot for the community (downtownshreveport.com) (theforumnews.com). Covering roughly 35,000 square feet of the former terminal area, The Lot combines modern amenities with the historic architecture. Local entrepreneurs Edgar and Deshea Guzman (along with partner Kat Santos) led the revival, envisioning a food-truck court and outdoor festival space under the sweeping canopy (theforumnews.com) (downtownshreveport.com).
Since its grand opening weekend in November 2020, The Lot has become a signature downtown venue. It features built-in power hookups for dozens of food trucks, a permanent stage for live performances, and a fully licensed bar and kitchen space (downtownshreveport.com). In keeping with the old terminal’s mission of serving the public, the venue is fully ADA-compliant (ramps and accessible restrooms) and offers covered seating for up to a few hundred people (theforumnews.com) (downtownshreveport.com). The transformation is a unique example of urban renewal – turning a defunct transit hub into a family-friendly park for food, music and art, and helping to energize Shreveport’s downtown. (downtownshreveport.com) (theforumnews.com)
Events and Programming
The Lot hosts an eclectic mix of events on weekends and special occasions. Typical programming includes food-truck festivals paired with live music, artisan markets, and community gatherings. Concerts range from local Americana, jazz and blues acts to rock and even metal shows. For example, The Lot’s premiers featured 10 bands and a gospel trio (the Jane’t Sisters) during its opening weekend, and even Atlanta jazz star Brian Blade was booked to perform (theforumnews.com). Recent lineups have included regional artists like Joe Nadeau, Jimmy Wooten and others (downtownshreveport.com). In late 2022 the venue’s new promoter Jackie Brock organized genres from metal nights (full-band shows) to family-oriented community events featuring games, LSU/Grambling football watch parties, and cornhole tournaments (downtownshreveport.com).
Special events recur throughout the year. Holiday markets and vintage bazaars (such as the Scottish Rite Antique & Vintage Bazaar and small-business holiday fairs) often take place on site (downtownshreveport.com). The spring "March Music at The Lot" attracts dozens of vendors and is a popular annual festival under the canopy (downtownshreveport.com). The venue has even hosted unique gatherings like Snowmageddon plant swaps and boxing/wrestling match screenings. Food and craft vendors typically set up around the stage area, creating a festive atmosphere.
Entry is generally by paid ticket or donation for big concerts – often very affordable. For example, a recent two-day music festival charged $5 per person (downtownshreveport.com). More high-profile or evening shows may cost up to $10–$15. The Lot typically sells tickets online via its official channels or social media, and often offers limited walk-up sales. For popular concerts, advance purchase is recommended, as events can sell out. The venue sometimes partners with local promoters and ticketing outlets, but there is no large box-office onsite; attendees usually check in at a front gate or ticket booth when they arrive.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for The Lot’s events are usually released a few weeks in advance through the venue’s official sources (typically their website and social media pages). Promoters often announce shows on Facebook or Eventbrite, and give advance ticket sales there. Many concerts are general-admission (standing) or picnic-style, so no assigned seating is sold. Ticket prices tend to be low; for example, community music festivals have been $5 per person (downtownshreveport.com). Bigger touring acts might cost more but still generally under $20.
The Lot does not have a traditional box office open daily. Tickets are usually purchased online in advance or at the door on event days (cash or card). Signing up for The Lot’s email list or following its Facebook/Instagram account is the best way to know when tickets go on sale. For very popular events, a good strategy is to book as soon as the show is announced, as many weekend parties and live-music nights can sell out. Door sales may be available for less crowded events, but higher-demand shows can be limited capacity (fire code max is about 400 people) (theforumnews.com), so plan accordingly.
Seating and Layout
The Lot is primarily a general‐admission venue with open space under and around its canopy. There are no fixed theater seats; audiences stand or bring chairs and blankets. The core performance area is under the large white canopy roof, where a raised stage is set up for bands. This covered tent improves acoustics and weather protection. Views tend to be best directly in front of the stage under the canopy. As you move to the sides or open parts of the lot, sightlines may be narrower. Early arrivers can stake out picnic tables or bring camp chairs for comfort.
Speaking of tables, The Lot is known for its custom-painted dining tables. Local artists have painted large round and square picnic tables (some 6 feet across) that are placed throughout the space (theforumnews.com). These art-tables provide casual seating and add to the venue’s creative vibe. Other seating includes benches and portable chairs set up for special events. Since the venue is flat and open, even the back edges offer decent sightlines – you never feel very far from the action in this relatively small space.
Audio is set up with the stage speakers oriented toward the crowd. The canopy helps project sound forward; standing directly under the tent gives the loudest, clearest sound. Acoustics outdoors are loose, so when multiple stages or loud performances happen simultaneously, check ahead what’s planned. But for a single concert or DJ set, any location under the tent – or even off to one side – works fine. The seating layout changes with each event, but fields near the truck pods and art market are common gathering areas.
Getting There and Parking
The Lot’s address is 400 Crockett Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, in the heart of downtown. From I-20, take Exit 21B (Market Street) and head north into downtown. Alternatively, downtown exits from I-49 or Highway 3132 also lead toward Crockett Street. Rideshare or taxi drop-off points can use Crockett St. (near Fulton or Texas St.) right at the venue entrance. On Google Maps or GPS, search “The Lot Downtown Shreveport” to see its precise location at the old SporTran terminal.
Parking nearby is convenient. Street parking in downtown is metered, but importantly it is free on evenings and weekends (downtownshreveport.com). Most on-street spaces allow up to 2 hours (meter rates are very low – roughly 5¢/6 minutes (downtownshreveport.com) via PayStations or ParkMobile). After work hours and on weekends you can often find free curbside spots within a block or two. For guaranteed parking, several paid lots and garages are close by (for example, the Ricou Plaza lot on Crockett, a paid garage on Travis, or the Capital One Tower garage a few blocks away). These lots charge standard downtown rates (often $2–$4/hour) – which are among the lowest in the state (downtownshreveport.com) (downtownshreveport.com).
Public transit access is limited. The Lot stands at the site of the former bus terminal, but city bus routes now run a block away. SporTran’s downtown circulator (Bus Route 20 on Saturdays) and other routes stop on nearby streets (such as Texas or Travis). If using transit, get off at the festival plaza or Convention Center stop and walk a few blocks to Crockett. Most visitors drive or rideshare, especially since parking is relatively easy downtown.
Walking from nearby downtown landmarks is straightforward. It’s only a few blocks from the riverfront Red River District, Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, or Artspace Shreveport. If you’re nearby on foot, just follow Crockett Street until you see the signature white canopy of the old bus terminal – that’s The Lot.
Inside the Venue
Upon entry, you’ll usually find a single main gate (often at Fulton or Crockett St.) with security or ticketing staff checking tickets or IDs. Bag checks tend to be casual (small purses are fine, but large backpacks or coolers may be restricted at concert events). The atmosphere inside is relaxed and festive – food trucks line the perimeter, and craft vendors often set up booths. You can wander with your food and find a table or spot on the pavement to eat and listen to music.
Food and drink options are plentiful. Dozens of local food trucks rotate through the venue. Past offerings have included Cajun and Korean tacos, burgers and pizza, Latin cuisine (Ki’ Mexico, Mi Mesa), seafood (Crawdaddy’s Kitchen), hot dogs (The Hot Dawg Hut), and more (downtownshreveport.com) (downtownshreveport.com). The Lot also has a permanent concession area and bar inside the old terminal building. As of 2022, the bar was fully licensed and serving beer, wine and cocktails during events (downtownshreveport.com). If alcohol is available, bring a valid ID (21+ for drinks). Otherwise, non-alcoholic beverages and brewery soft drinks are offered by vendors.
Bathrooms are available on-site and have been upgraded during the venue build-out (downtownshreveport.com). There are multiple restroom clusters – including accessible facilities – so lines are generally short. However, lines can form at peak intermissions, so it’s wise to use them early if needed. There is often a coat check or cloakroom area for rainy evenings, but for most shows coat checks are informal (venues will post if they have one). Merchandise tables for bands or The Lot’s own branded items pop up near the stage, so cash or card can also be used for merch and art purchases.
Wifi is not guaranteed in this open-air venue, but cellular coverage is good downtown. ParkMobile or QR-code parking apps may be needed to activate meters on-street (downtownshreveport.com). Many attendees simply use their phones for parking payments. The lot’s friendly staff and vendors create a communal vibe – expect to mingle, sample local flavors and listen to music in a casual neighborhood-park setting.
Nearby Amenities
The Lot sits in a lively part of downtown with plenty of nearby dining and entertainment options. Just a block away is Stinky’s Ladder 72 BBQ (known for ribs and Southern sides), and a few blocks west is Tsunami Seafood & Oyster Bar for Gulf-style seafood and sushi. For quick bites, a Cane’s or Texas-style barbecue stands; or try downtown favorites like Deano’s Pizza or Peir Point Brewery a few blocks north. If you prefer sit-down meals before a show, there are steakhouses and Cajun eateries on Marshall Street, including Don’s Seafood and Pier 91 Grille.
Carside wine bars and cocktail lounges are also in walking distance. Venues like Lineage Coffee and Wine Bar (Lafayette St.) or Gallery Noir (Crawford St.) offer pre- or post-show drinks in a chill environment. For late night, many bars in the Red River District are just half a mile away down Spring Street, so you can continue the evening after a concert ends. On weekends parking is free, so bar-hopping is easy.
For out-of-town visitors, there are hotels near The Lot. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown (Crockett St.) is less than a block away, and the Courtyard by Marriott (at Stoner and Crockett) is a short walk. Other downtown hotels (Holiday Inn, Hilton, etc.) are within 2–3 blocks. If you fly in, Shreveport Regional Airport is about 15 minutes east on I-20, with shuttles and rideshares available.
Most attendees plan to arrive around 30–45 minutes before showtime. Pre-show dinner is common at one of the local restaurants mentioned above. On busy nights, downtown traffic can get tight right before events, so allow extra time. After the show, exiting is easy via Crockett Street; rideshare drivers know this area well. Late-night downtown is generally safe, but it’s best to stick to well-lit main streets or follow other concertgoers.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Lot’s charm comes from its blend of modern design, community spirit, and quirky history. Few venues are as architecturally distinct as this one – the giant white canopy feels like a spaceship or a sailboat in the city. Locals love that a long-vacant spot turned into a cultural hub for Shreveport’s creative scene (downtownshreveport.com) (theforumnews.com). Artists and vendors get custom-built art tables, while music fans get up-close outdoor concerts. The venue is family-friendly by day (kids can play on the open lawn, and there have been bouncy houses at kids’ events) and turns into a lively music hall by night.
The Lot is also special for fostering local pride. It highlights Shreveport’s food-truck culture and supports small businesses. Since opening, it’s become a favorite spot for festivals like March Music, and for watching the local college football rivalry games. Many artists and musicians have commented on The Lot’s atmosphere: the exposed beams of the canopy and the warm Southern crowd give shows an intimate feel. According to the downtown authority, even the city fire marshal approved it for 400 people under strict pandemic spacing (theforumnews.com) – showing the venue’s ability to adapt and serve during challenging times.
In short, The Lot Downtown Shreveport is more than just another music park – it’s a living piece of the city’s renewal. It honors the futuristic vision of the 1980s bus terminal while giving locals a modern space to gather. Performing here is considered fun for artists (for its friendly crowd and great sound under the open sky) and the community loves it as an inclusive space where you can enjoy good food, art, and music together.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility is a priority: The Lot has wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms (downtownshreveport.com). The ground is level concrete, so guests with mobility aids can move around freely. Hearing loops or sign language have not been advertised at this outdoor venue, but bands often provide lyric printouts or large-screen lyrics at some shows (it’s more of a casual listening space than a formal theater).
Bring only what you need. Small backpacks or cross-body bags are fine, but check the event page for any bag restrictions. You can bring blankets or foldable chairs for seating – in fact, many people do, especially families at matinee shows. Dress is casual. In summer wear light clothing (downtown heat is high) and pack sunscreen or a hat for afternoon events. For evening shows, bring a light jacket just in case, or a poncho if rain is in the forecast – the tent protects some area but side weather can blow in.
Food is on-site, so you don’t need to bring snacks. Outside alcohol is not allowed; wait for the beer/wine truck or bar to open. It’s smart to bring cash in small bills, as some food trucks take only cash or have long card lines. There’s usually a nearby ATM, but it may have fees. If you have young children, bring ear protection – drums can be loud under the canopy. No pets are allowed except service animals, so leave Fido at home.
Getting in early can improve your experience. Gates often open 30–60 minutes before showtime. Arrive early to beat lines for food trucks and get a good spot near the stage. The venue can sell out for bigger events, so standing in line early is wise. Fans often recommend following The Lot’s social media for updates on food vendors, so you know what to try. During busy events, plan your parking or rideshare drop-off slightly earlier to avoid last-minute rush.
Remember, there’s no strict dress code – people often wear band tees, cowboy boots, or weekend casual. But yummy! Lastly, have fun and support the local artists – tip the food truck chefs, buy a band T-shirt, and soak in the festive atmosphere. The Lot thrives on community and creativity, so joining in the good vibes is the best way to enjoy this one-of-a-kind venue.
What is the capacity of The Lot and is it indoors or outdoors?
The Lot is an open-air venue under a large canopy. It is not a closed theater; it's mostly outdoors. The site was cleared by fire inspectors for up to about 400 people at a time (theforumnews.com). So it’s a medium-sized outdoor event space (roughly a city block) built on the old bus terminal lot.
How do I get tickets for an event at The Lot?
Tickets are usually sold through The Lot’s own channels. Watch their website and social media for announced shows. Many events are general admission and low-cost (around $5–$10 (downtownshreveport.com)). You can often buy tickets online in advance via their event page or (for small crowds) at the gate on the night of the show. For big concerts, it’s best to buy early, as some events sell out.
What are the parking options and costs near The Lot?
Street parking in downtown is metered by ParkMobile (very low rates – around 5¢ per 6 minutes (downtownshreveport.com)) with a 2-hour limit. Importantly, parking is free on evenings and weekends (downtownshreveport.com), so if your event is after 6pm or on Saturday/Sunday, you can often find a free curb space. There are also paid parking lots and garages nearby (Ricou Plaza, Travis Street garage, etc.) charging typical downtown rates ($2–$4 per hour). Always check signs to confirm rates.
Is The Lot wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Lot was renovated to be fully ADA-compliant (downtownshreveport.com). There are wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms on site (downtownshreveport.com). The venue layout is flat and open (paved concrete), making it easy for wheelchair users or people with strollers to move around. If you need specific assistance, The Lot staff are usually helpful on event nights.
What is the seating like and should I bring my own chair?
The Lot has no fixed theatre seats; it is mostly standing-room with scattered picnic tables and benches. Many people bring portable lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Large artist-painted tables (some 6-foot round) are provided (theforumnews.com). If you want guaranteed seating or plan to hang out on the lawn, bringing a folding chair is a good idea, though some prefer to stand close to the stage for concerts. In short: it’s casual – chairs are optional but not provided for everyone.
What time should I arrive before an event, and are there age restrictions?
Gates often open 30–60 minutes before showtime. Arrive early to claim a good spot and beat lines at food trucks. The Lot is generally family-friendly unless specified otherwise, so all ages are welcome. However, for events where alcohol is served, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Check the event listing – if it’s an all-ages concert or a 21+ show, it will say so.
Can I bring outside food or drinks into The Lot?
Outside alcohol is generally not allowed if the venue is serving alcoholic beverages. (Wait and buy from the on-site bar or beverage trucks.) As for food, The Lot’s concept revolves around food trucks, so there’s no need to bring your own. Small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks from outside might be tolerated, but space is limited and you’ll likely want to support the vendors anyway. Always follow the posted policies on the ticket or at the gate.
What are the COVID or health safety policies at the venue?
Policies may change by year, but The Lot is open-air which helps with ventilation. During the pandemic, masks were required for events (downtownshreveport.com). As of 2023–2024, mask requirements are generally voluntary unless announced for a specific health reason. In any case, hand sanitizer stations are usually available. If you have health concerns, check The Lot’s official site or their Facebook page close to the event date for any updated guidelines.
Is there a coat check or lockers for belongings?
The Lot does not typically have a formal coat check or locker area. This is an informal outdoor venue, so large check areas are uncommon. You should be prepared to keep personal items with you. During rain or cold nights, there may be staff helping with umbrella stashing or small cloak areas, but it’s best to dress appropriately and carry minimal belongings. If there is a need for storage (e.g., for keys or wallet), guests often carry small pockets or pouches.
Where can I find the event schedule or more information?
The most up-to-date schedule is posted on The Lot’s official channels. Check their Facebook and Instagram pages regularly for announcements of upcoming shows, ticket links, and any lineup changes. Sometimes local newspapers and community calendars (like the Downtown Shreveport DDA site) will also list big events there. If you’ve already bought a ticket, all the details (date, time, restrictions) are usually emailed to you or on your event confirmation.
Are cameras or recording devices allowed?
Casual photography for personal use is typically allowed, as The Lot is a public event space. However, professional recording (large video cameras, tripods, recorders) may be restricted unless you have press credentials or permission. The general rule: you can snap photos of your friends and the venue, but do not obstruct others or attempt commercial filming. Always respect artist and venue requests – some performers might prohibit flash or recording during their sets.
Is The Lot pet-friendly?
Pets are not allowed at The Lot, with the exception of service animals. The venue is food-oriented with trucks and many people moving around, so it's generally not a safe environment for pets. If you're bringing a service dog, staff may ask to see appropriate ID. Otherwise, it’s best to leave your pets at home when visiting events at The Lot.
Can I rent The Lot for a private party?
Yes, The Lot can be booked for private events (weddings, corporate gatherings, etc.), since it’s essentially an events space. If you’re interested, you’d contact the management to arrange a rental; they can provide catering options or allow food trucks and vendors. Note that a license and deposit are likely required, and Friday/Saturday nights tend to book up. For details on corporate or private rental, check with The Lot management or on downtown development resources, which mention “Corporate Events” at the venue (www.alignable.com).
