Photo credit: Midland County

What happened: The Midland County Horseshoe set a new attendance record on Friday, June 12, as 11,575 people attended a concert featuring country music star Riley Green, according to Midland County. The crowd more than doubled the venue’s previous attendance record of 5,235, set just weeks earlier during a concert by the band Midland.

The big picture: In a Midland County press release, event organizers expected the Riley Green concert to exceed the capacity of the Horseshoe Amphitheater, which accommodates about 4,500 guests. Instead, they built a temporary outdoor stage in the venue’s parking area, allowing thousands more fans to attend.

Concert promoter Areil Herrera of Out West Productions said the turnout demonstrated the demand for live entertainment in West Texas.

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“Seeing 11,575 people come together for one night was a powerful reminder of what live music means to West Texas,” Herrera said. “This record belongs to the fans, our partners, our staff, and everyone who made the night possible.”

Go deeper: Midland County officials said the record-setting crowd reflects the Horseshoe’s growing role as a destination for concerts, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and community gatherings.

“Whether it’s a concert, convention, youth event or community gathering, our goal is to create opportunities that enhance quality of life for residents while attracting visitors to our community,” Horseshoe Director Steven Garcia said. “This event is another example of what is possible when great partners, great artists and a great venue come together.”

What’s next: Out West Productions and the Midland County Horseshoe plan to continue bringing major concerts to the venue. Officials said six additional shows are expected to be announced in the coming months.