One of my favorite events put on by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is going through some major changes, and it’s an event that people in Lubbock have enjoyed attending for years.

The Hub City BBQ as we know it, is dead.

Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Announces Major Changes to the Hub City BBQ

The Hub City BBQ started years ago as a celebration of BBQ, West Texas, and the community. Yes, it was a Chamber of Commerce event, but it was one of those events that through ticket sales, more people in the community could come out and enjoy some good food, cold drinks, and live music. I’ve been a fan of the Hub City BBQ since it began in Downtown Lubbock and then moved to the South Plains Fair.

But starting this year, there will be major changes to the Hub City BBQ and there is already backlash on social media about the changes.

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It’s been announced that it will now be a two day event at Cook’s Garage. The first night will be a “Ribs and Raiders” night that is meant as a Chamber of Commerce networking event and only members of the Chamber can purchase tables. Day 2 of the event is the cookoff and judging. But this is where the biggest change comes into play.

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No tickets will be sold to the public. There is no event after the judging. In previous years, the judging takes place and a couple of hours later, those who bought tickets are allowed in for a great big party.

That part is dead. The “Hub City” part of the BBQ event is gone.

Personally, I’m pretty disappointed in this decision. The Hub City BBQ was one of those events that a lot of people looked forward to in the community. It was a big cookout with live music, bbq, and cold drinks. That brought the community together. Sure tickets weren’t cheap, but it was still a well attended event.

And I’m not the only one who is disappointed by the Chamber’s decision. I’ve heard from many people and seen many comments on social media.

Maybe we will see a private organization come up with a community focused “Hub City BBQ” in the future. For now, the Chamber should just change the name to the Lubbock Chamber BBQ Cookoff.

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