Inside George Strait’s New Troubadour Lounge at Moody Center

Moody Center’s new backstage tribute honors George Strait’s Texas legacy

Written by Amanda Tempel

Date Published: July 1, 2026

Moody Center in Austin, Texas has added a permanent tribute to George Strait with the unveiling of a new backstage lounge named The Troubadour.

The lounge was dedicated in 2026 following Strait’s four-night, sold-out return to Moody Center. While the lounge is reserved for artist and industry hospitality, it adds another piece of country music history to one of Austin’s biggest live entertainment destinations.

For George Strait fans planning a trip to Moody Center, here’s what to know about The Troubadour, Strait’s connection to the venue, and how to plan a concert night in Austin.

What Is The Troubadour at Moody Center?

The Troubadour is a new backstage lounge at Moody Center dedicated to George Strait.

The lounge was designed with the feel of a classic Texas honky-tonk, including a refurbished vintage jukebox programmed with Strait’s catalog, a burnt orange pool table, a restored neon sign and carefully selected décor. At the center of the space, Strait’s boot prints are permanently preserved in a bronze plaque embedded in the floor.

The lounge is not a public attraction or ticketed fan experience. It is located backstage and is reserved exclusively for artist and industry hospitality.

Photo Credit: Justin Cook

Why Moody Center Honored George Strait

George Strait has been tied to Moody Center since the arena’s earliest days.

In April 2022, Strait performed two nights during Moody Center’s grand opening celebration alongside Willie Nelson & Family and Randy Rogers Band.

Strait later returned to Moody Center for a four-night sold-out run that brought more than 60,000 fans to the arena, according to the lounge announcement.

Jeff Nickler, President of Oak View Group Austin and General Manager of Moody Center, called the lounge “a tribute to an artist whose music and presence helped define the Moody Center from day one.”

Strait also shared his appreciation for the dedication, saying the space honoring “the music, the memories, and the fans” meant a lot to him.

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Photo Credit: Justin Cook

Can Fans Visit The Troubadour Lounge?

No — The Troubadour is not open to the general public.

That’s an important detail for fans planning a trip. The lounge is a backstage hospitality space, so it is not part of a standard concert ticket, arena tour or public exhibit.

Still, the tribute gives George Strait fans another reason to pay attention to Moody Center. Even if visitors cannot walk through The Troubadour, the lounge strengthens the arena’s connection to Strait and to Texas country music history.

Where Is Moody Center?

Moody Center is located at 2001 Robert Dedman Drive in Austin, Texas, on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Visit Austin describes the arena as a 530,000-square-foot entertainment venue that hosts concerts, sports, family programming and other events.

The venue opened in April 2022 and quickly became one of Austin’s key concert stops. It is also home to Texas Longhorns men’s and women’s basketball.

Photo Credit: Justin Cook