Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Information
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, sometimes called The Woodlands Pavilion or simply The Pavilion, is a concert amphitheatre located in The Woodlands, Texas. The venue caters to the performing arts as well as commercial concerts from contemporary artists and musicians. It is currently owned and operated by The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands and is a non-profit organization.
Have you ever wanted to just drop it all and run to the nearest community that has everything you need, so you never have to wonder where to go or what grocery store to shop at? Well, don’t pop that dream bubble just yet – it exists! The Woodlands in Texas is the master of all gated communities. Built on 28,000 acres and made up of several small “towns”, The Woodlands has everything one might need, from restaurants and schools, to business parks, green parks, entertainment, and medical facilities. Over 100,000 people call this home, and no wonder! Built in 1974, it remains one of the most intricately conceived communities.
What are you waiting for? Check out the event listing here and get ready to rock!
Amphitheater Location
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is located in The Woodlands and is much more than a simple concert venue. Catering to pop/rock concerts, the performing arts and contemporary artists, it is also a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, governed by a volunteer board of directors. Aside from large concerts, the venue provides the Greater Houston region with performing arts events and educational outreach programs. It is proud to call itself the Summer Home of the Houston Symphony, a Second Home for the Houston Ballet and a Presenting Venue for the Houston Grand Opera.
Surrounded by forests, the outdoor amphitheater seats 16,500 people. It has been the second-most heavily used amphitheater in the world. Not only do concert goers have an amazing venue at their fingertips, but also access to The Woodlands and hundreds of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as exceptional lodging choices that won’t have you wondering where the free breakfast came from.
Capacity
The amphitheatre seats 16,500 people and currently stands as the second-most heavily used amphitheater in the world. The venue features 6,500 covered seats and up to 10,000 uncovered lawn capacity.
Woodlands Pavilion History
The venue’s history began in 1982 when civic leaders and members of the Houston Symphony approached The Woodlands founder George P. Mitchell. They indicated a desire to establish a summer home for the Houston Symphony in The Woodlands and the facility was envisioned to serve as that home. After an initial delay due to the region’s economic situation, construction began in June 1989. The Pavilion’s opening weekend in late April 1990 featured successive concerts by the Houston Symphony, Frank Sinatra, Alabama, and Clint Black.
The original facility provided 3,000 reserved seats and room for 7,000 guests on a sloped grass lawn. Each plaza had one concession stand and restroom. Obviously, later expansions and renovations expanded this seating capacity to its current number.
Today, the venue primarily plays host to performances of the Houston Symphony, the Houston Grand Opera, as well as the Houston Ballet and the Cheek to Cheek Tour. During these performances, lawn seating is usually provided free of charge due to a grant underwritten by various sponsors.
What Is It Like At The Pavilion
Many past guests love the crisp and clear sounds that you can expect from the venue. The acoustics and sound tech is carefully designed and managed ot make sure that you can clearly hear the music and performance whether you’re up front and center in the pit or seated on a blanket around the lawn. And unless you absolutely must feel up and close and personal, the seating is designed so you can expect a clear view of the stage from all sides.
This means that you can expect stunning views of any special effects or pyro that might be used on the stage as well as the lighting that could only happen in some of the wilder concerts, festivals or events.
But more than that, there’s a sense of fun and relaxation that most guests feel. This comes from both the professional and caring staff the venue recruits as well as the general vibe that the regulars bring to every show. Many performers consider this venue to be one of the most relaxing parts of their concert seasons or their tours and that energy leads to enjoyable shows for all involved.