Katie Bell's

[leftyf]

I just red on the "other on-line news" that when Katie Bell's opens, it will be open to the public. Is this true?

[Mickedamouse24]

:shrug:If you look up Katie Belle's web page there is a slot there for the General Public and thier quests to purchase tickets to any of the shows/meals at Katie Belle's. New era happening in The Villages. What's next, rec centers, golf etc... or all???

[bagboy]

Pretty sure that our amenities aren't going to be open to the public anytime soon.

[CWGUY]

:shrug:If you look up Katie Belle's web page there is a slot there for the General Public and thier quests to purchase tickets to any of the shows/meals at Katie Belle's. New era happening in The Villages. What's next, rec centers, golf etc... or all???


:what: Seems like everyday I am amazed by someone who lives here and doesn't have a clue how things work.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

In the many times I ate at Katie Belle's I was never asked to show my ID. It was advertised as a private club, but I don't think it really operated as private.

[Sandtrap328]

In the many times I ate at Katie Belle's I was never asked to show my ID. It was advertised as a private club, but I don't think it really operated as private.

There was always a greeter at the entrance every time I went there. He would always check for Villages ID cards.

(maybe I just look shifty and Doc Boogy doesn't?)

[golfing eagles]

There was always a greeter at the entrance every time I went there. He would always check for Villages ID cards.

(maybe I just look shifty and Doc Boogy doesn't?)

Maybe.......

[Chi-Town]

There was always a greeter at the entrance every time I went there. He would always check for Villages ID cards.

(maybe I just look shifty and Doc Boogy doesn't?)

Now, would you ask for an ID from the Dr.?

56904

[CFrance]

There was always a greeter at the entrance every time I went there. He would always check for Villages ID cards.

(maybe I just look shifty and Doc Boogy doesn't?)
It's the eyeballs, Sandtrap!

[Mickedamouse24]

:shrug:I know exactly how things and the system works!!! As long as money is involved it's done! Katie Belle's had been advertised as a Private Club for Villagers and their quests!!! That has changed with the new Katie Belle's!!! Don't be shocked as The Villages continues to take on changes as it grows!!!

[CWGUY]

:shrug:I know exactly how things and the system works!!! As long as money is involved it's done! Katie Belle's had been advertised as a Private Club for Villagers and their quests!!! That has changed with the new Katie Belle's!!! Don't be shocked as The Villages continues to take on changes as it grows!!!

I sure hope so. :beer3: I still miss "Spanish Springs Light"..... I think I'll sell my house. I thought I could sit in Augustine's' and drink it forever.

[Skip]

Everything I read says it's no longer a residents only business.
I also see that the show packages go to $60 per person (plus tip).
Wow. Did all the residents win the lottery and I missed out?

Skip

[JoMar]

Get your tickets early in the morning......I suspect the dinner shows will sell out quickly.

[CritterLover]

I don't see how The Villages can stand to NOT make things open to the public from time to time. They do have to remain profitable to maintain, not to mention adding to, all the great things we love about being here. I have no problem with it at all. JMO

[mickey100]

I don't see how The Villages can stand to NOT make things open to the public from time to time. They do have to remain profitable to maintain, not to mention adding to, all the great things we love about being here. I have no problem with it at all. JMO

I could possibly see that happening in the summer when there are not as many people here, but during the high season, it should be members only, or members and their guests, IMHO. There are clearly enough residents here at that time of year. for it to be profitable.

[JoMar]

I could possibly see that happening in the summer when there are not as many people here, but during the high season, it should be members only, or members and their guests, IMHO. There are clearly enough residents here at that time of year. for it to be profitable.

Only if they attend. There are now a lot of competitors for our food and entertainment dollars and they want there share. We still get a resident discount if we want to go but, I guess, since TV has changed so much, they found a need to change their strategy.

[outlaw]

I heard the executive golf courses were going to be opened to the public after 1 PM. Of course, they will have to pay a green fee.

[nkrifats]

I heard the executive golf courses were going to be opened to the public after 1 PM. Of course, they will have to pay a green fee.

Your Source? or Just another rumor to start?

[billethkid]

Bait!!!!

[outlaw]

Your Source? or Just another rumor to start?

I heard it from an ambassador that is a good friend of an in-law of one of the Morrises' housekeeper.

[jimmemac]

The cost of entertainment is going up here for sure-look at the prices to go to the Sharon, and the announced prices for the shows at Katie Belles are up as well. An informal survey of people at the pools would suggest the snowbirds think the prices are great and that the full timers think they suck. My own opinion would be that acts like Engelbert Humperdinck for prices ranging up to $140 are ridiculous but as long as people are willing to pay these prices things will not change.

[asianthree]

Early on Katie bells had decent food, then down hill from there. If TV can get outside people to pay $$ for dinner shows then good for them.

[goodtimesintv]

The cost of entertainment is going up here for sure-look at the prices to go to the Sharon, and the announced prices for the shows at Katie Belles are up as well. An informal survey of people at the pools would suggest the snowbirds think the prices are great and that the full timers think they suck. My own opinion would be that acts like Engelbert Humperdinck for prices ranging up to $140 are ridiculous but as long as people are willing to pay these prices things will not change.

The prices here "suck"....compared to where????

What other community OFFERS what TV does, with the variety and number of venues that TV does, at generally affordable prices?

What other "retirement" community has live bands/singers 365 days per year on 3 town squares, for FREE???

Katie Belle's needs this facelifting, expansion and reinvention, for one thing, to continue to attract new people to come and live here. Newcomers and buyers are essential. Otherwise, TV will stagnate and wither.

Also, "an informal survey at adult pools" in some areas would indicate, not 'suggest', that they would complain if admission tickets were $3. Some older folks think everyone is trying to rip them off whether it's for $3 or $300. They simply don't want prices set by anyone but themselves--cheapskates that'll never be happy with a price.

[NYGUY]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[justjim]

I heard the executive golf courses were going to be opened to the public after 1 PM. Of course, they will have to pay a green fee.

I can buy such a rumor regarding the Championship Courses but not the Executive Courses. The executive courses tee times are close to 100% used (especially during high season) and the Developer maintains ownership of the Championship Courses. Executive Courses are entirely different.

The Developer controls and maintains ownership of the buildings around the three TV Squares.

[CWGUY]

I can buy such a rumor regarding the Championship Courses but not the Executive Courses. The executive courses tee times are close to 100% used (especially during high season) and the Developer maintains ownership of the Championship Courses. Executive Courses are entirely different.

The Developer controls and maintains ownership of the buildings around the three TV Squares.

;) Hate to be the one to break it to you but, the Championship Courses ARE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

http://golfthevillages.com/images/2015-2016Rates.pdf :gc:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The cost of entertainment is going up here for sure-look at the prices to go to the Sharon, and the announced prices for the shows at Katie Belles are up as well. An informal survey of people at the pools would suggest the snowbirds think the prices are great and that the full timers think they suck. My own opinion would be that acts like Engelbert Humperdinck for prices ranging up to $140 are ridiculous but as long as people are willing to pay these prices things will not change.

I agree. I can't believe that people are paying $250 a seat to see Johnny Mathis.

I said it a long time ago. They made The Sharon too small and put it in the wrong place. A larger venue would have made for lower ticket prices and more people being able to buy tickets.

[Skip]

I agree. I can't believe that people are paying $250 a seat to see Johnny Mathis.

I said it a long time ago. They made The Sharon too small and put it in the wrong place. A larger venue would have made for lower ticket prices and more people being able to buy tickets.

Nail on the head !

Skip

[biker1]

Yep. They would have been well advised to take a short hop up 75 to visit Peachtree City, GA and see their 2500 seat amphitheater. It is well supported with 1/3 the population of The Villages.

I agree. I can't believe that people are paying $250 a seat to see Johnny Mathis.

I said it a long time ago. They made The Sharon too small and put it in the wrong place. A larger venue would have made for lower ticket prices and more people being able to buy tickets.

[dewilson58]

Now, would you ask for an ID from the Dr.?

56904

You can never have too many doctors in an establishment full of old people.

:pepper2:

[JoMar]

I suspect that the Sharon and Katie Belles are exactly what they wanted and where they want it to be. For those that want cheaper tickets there is the Savannah Center and the Squares. When the Sharon opened they told everyone that it was a multi-year experiment to determine what type of entertainment was going to be popular. Part of that would include what the clientele is willing to pay. From what I've seen, they do seem to get good crowds, including sell outs, and those crowds are willing to pay. Opening Katie Bells to the public could also be an experiment. They are running business's to make a profit which supersedes what we would like to see them do. Personally, this is a great place with wonderful opportunities to be entertained.

[Madelaine Amee]

I suspect that the Sharon and Katie Belles are exactly what they wanted and where they want it to be. For those that want cheaper tickets there is the Savannah Center and the Squares. When the Sharon opened they told everyone that it was a multi-year experiment to determine what type of entertainment was going to be popular. Part of that would include what the clientele is willing to pay. From what I've seen, they do seem to get good crowds, including sell outs, and those crowds are willing to pay. Opening Katie Bells to the public could also be an experiment. They are running business's to make a profit which supersedes what we would like to see them do. Personally, this is a great place with wonderful opportunities to be entertained.

Excellent explanation of the situation.

[Bonny]

I suspect that the Sharon and Katie Belles are exactly what they wanted and where they want it to be. For those that want cheaper tickets there is the Savannah Center and the Squares. When the Sharon opened they told everyone that it was a multi-year experiment to determine what type of entertainment was going to be popular. Part of that would include what the clientele is willing to pay. From what I've seen, they do seem to get good crowds, including sell outs, and those crowds are willing to pay. Opening Katie Bells to the public could also be an experiment. They are running business's to make a profit which supersedes what we would like to see them do. Personally, this is a great place with wonderful opportunities to be entertained.
Well said ! :agree:

[golf2140]

Simple answer, if you don't like the place, don't go !!!!!!

[Madelaine Amee]

Yep. They would have been well advised to take a short hop up 75 to visit Peachtree City, GA and see their 2500 seat amphitheater. It is well supported with 1/3 the population of The Villages.

I don't think the developer needs to take a short hop up 75 to anywhere. He is an excellent businessman and knows his community. Tell me anyone else in THE WORLD that has replicated what the family have done here and I might listen to you!

[biker1]

You totally missed the point. A larger venue opens up the possibility of a lot more groups at a lower cost. There is most likely enough population to support a larger venue. If the developer doesn't want to do that then fine. The original comment by Dr. Boogie was about the venue size and he is substantially correct. Please calm down and don't read too much into this.

I don't think the developer needs to take a short hop up 75 to anywhere. He is an excellent businessman and knows his community. Tell me anyone else in THE WORLD that has replicated what the family have done here and I might listen to you!

[2BNTV]

I suspect that the Sharon and Katie Belles are exactly what they wanted and where they want it to be. For those that want cheaper tickets there is the Savannah Center and the Squares. When the Sharon opened they told everyone that it was a multi-year experiment to determine what type of entertainment was going to be popular. Part of that would include what the clientele is willing to pay. From what I've seen, they do seem to get good crowds, including sell outs, and those crowds are willing to pay. Opening Katie Bells to the public could also be an experiment. They are running business's to make a profit which supersedes what we would like to see them do. Personally, this is a great place with wonderful opportunities to be entertained.

A well reasoned and excellent post! :bigbow:

Everyone has the option to not go, if they think the price is too high or are unwilling to pay. I wanted to see Neil Sedaka at the Sharon but when I saw the ad in the DS, the only tickets left, were $145. Thanks but no thanks!!

Just like the "valet parking" experiment, that went by the wayside.

[Bonny]

You totally missed the point. A larger venue opens up the possibility of a lot more groups at a lower cost. There is most likely enough population to support a larger venue. If the developer doesn't want to do that then fine. The original comment by Dr. Boogie was about the venue size and he is substantially correct. Please calm down and don't read too much into this.
I doubt very much that the developer & the family is wanting to get too far into the entertainment business. They gave us a couple of beautiful venues for that and I appreciate all they have done. :pepper2:

[Chi-Town]

The Sharon was built with private funds, no endless subscription requests, and nary a tax dollar or local government bailout. The venue is a showcase with a variety of entertainment that has drawn many to attend. We are very lucky to have this.

[Barefoot]

I don't think the developer needs to take a short hop up 75 to anywhere. He is an excellent businessman and knows his community. Tell me anyone else in THE WORLD that has replicated what the family have done here and I might listen to you!
:agree:

[coconutmama]

In the many times I ate at Katie Belle's I was never asked to show my ID. It was advertised as a private club, but I don't think it really operated as private.

When we went there, at least one person in our party had to show a Villages ID. Guess they want to fill the place every night, but we will miss the exclusivity of the old days.

[MoeVonB61]

i don't see how the villages can stand to not make things open to the public from time to time. They do have to remain profitable to maintain, not to mention adding to, all the great things we love about being here. I have no problem with it at all. Jmo

ditto!!

[graciegirl]

:shrug:I know exactly how things and the system works!!! As long as money is involved it's done! Katie Belle's had been advertised as a Private Club for Villagers and their quests!!! That has changed with the new Katie Belle's!!! Don't be shocked as The Villages continues to take on changes as it grows!!!



Quests is kinda............right. lol

[tomwed]

Everything I read says it's no longer a residents only business.
I also see that the show packages go to $60 per person (plus tip).
Wow. Did all the residents win the lottery and I missed out?

Skip
I went to the katie belle link and some shows the cover is $4 for non-residents. The moma mia looks like it's $30 but that includes dinner and wine. Am I missing something?

[bagboy]

Quests is kinda............right. lol

I've been dying to post on this thread, I think your post will suffice lol