The Varsity Theatre, a Baton Rouge institution for live music, has closed its doors. For now.
The Chimes Restaurant on Highland, which is connected to the nearly 90-year-old theatre, is expanding its rooftop terrace seating over what is now The Varsity lobby. The Varsity will be closed until further notice due to the renovation.
The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room owns and manages The Varsity.
The music venue and event space had a reunion night for friends and family on Saturday. Several social media posts referred to it as the “last call” for the theatre. According to J.T. O’Neal, the current production manager at The Varsity, no one has officially said the theatre is closing for good.
“I was told I had an April 1 deadline for booking shows,” O’Neal said, “and the theatre was closing because of The Chimes’ terrace extension.”
Attempts to contact management for comment were unsuccessful.
O’Neal started working at The Varsity in 2022, and he said that booking national talent has been a struggle because the theatre doesn’t have a contract with a booking group. He said local shows that are well-promoted have had high ticket sales with packed houses.
The Varsity first opened its doors in 1937 as a movie theater until it closed in 1988. In 1990, The Varsity reopened as a live music venue. For about 30 years, it was the place to see up-and-coming national bands before they became popular and the place to go for ’80s and ’90s theme nights.
From rap icons like Ice Cube and Public Enemy to country stars like Willie Nelson and Pat Green to bands like Incubus and Korn, The Varsity hosted a wide variety of talent.
Multiple generations saw their favorite artist or favorite movie there.
The Varsity briefly closed during COVID and has had less promotion and events since it reopened in 2021, O’Neal said.
O’Neal attended shows at the theatre for years before he began working there. As a touring sound engineer, he often works remotely for The Varsity. He says he wants the theatre to continue as a live music venue in Baton Rouge. With an occupancy of 800 people, its an optimal size for many shows and events.
“Baton Rouge needs The Varsity,” O’Neal said.
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