Weekend Rock: Open Up The PIT

Justin Hammer

Sep 6, 2024

The PIT is Louisiana’s Bold New Stage for Live Music

When people think of the metal scene in Louisiana, they mostly think of New Orleans or maybe Baton Rouge. However, the scene in Lafayette, La, is nothing to sleep on. The Lafayette scene is one of the fastest growing in the state, and this past weekend, that scene grew that much more with the opening of a brand-new ALL-AGES venue called THE PIT by EPIC!

The Pit at EPIC in Scott, Louisiana — Credit: Justin Hammer

Opened by Blake Benoit, singer and guitarist for Necromire, with help from Louisiana LOUD concert promoter and owner Seth Thomas, it is a new level for the alternative and metal music community in Lafayette for many reasons. First, it boasts a prime location for hosting. Located right off I-10’s exit 100, it makes finding, getting to, and getting out of as easy as possible. Alongside that, ample parking with a huge open parking lot could easily accommodate larger vehicles, such as buses or RVs, that may be stopping on a tour or traveling from neighboring cities. Just as vital as the location is the fact it will be an ALL-AGES venue, allowing parents to bring their kids and younger fans to be part of the local scene, helping breed a whole new generation of metal and alternative music lovers in the state.

Traveling inside the venue, you enter the first part of EPIC, a children’s gym complete with rock walls, foam pits, and trampolines. However, if you travel to your left after walking in, you will see a set of black double doors. The magic happens through those doors. Walking in, you will have a table to your right to pay for your admission. Just past that table, also to your right, is a fully stocked bar with a variety of drink options, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike. Just inside the door to your left will be an entire section of tables set up for bands to sell their merch and interact with their fans. Straight ahead you will see the stage, centered on the other side of a massive, wide-open floor with a very high, open ceiling.

Their grand opening show was on August 30, 2024 and featured a power-packed lineup of Louisiana metal with Holeopener, Necromire, Muscle, Swampgrave, and the Louisiana metal bimbos themselves, BRAT. These bands brought the house down and made for one of the best local shows I’ve seen in Lafayette!

BRAT at The Pit at EPIC in Scott, Louisiana August 30, 2024 — BRAT courtesy of Justin Hammer

Be sure to turn out for the next scheduled show at the PIT on Friday, October 4, 2024. The line-up features local acts Dogma, Life on Mars, Glacial Coffin, and Phallic Laceration. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the Show starts at 8 p.m.!

Make it a point to check out this brand-new venue at any of their upcoming shows, which can all be found on their social media accounts:

Facebook: The Pit at Epic

Instagram: @epic.thepit