After 16 years of unforgettable music and memories, The Backyard — Austin’s acclaimed live oak amphitheater — will be closing its doors forever later this year.

And here is your chance to celebrate the final season of The Backyard with Willie Nelson and Friends!

The event date is October 26th, 2008, and the show will begin early and last until the music stops. The first 400 ticket buyers will receive an Early Bird ticket price and a portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to charity.

About The Backyard

The Backyard is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country in a natural, open-air setting enveloped in the shade of 400 year old live oaks. Multitiered decks, fish ponds and plaza areas illuminate the magic of the amphitheater’s atmosphere.

This one-of-a-kind amphitheater hosts music as varied and eclectic as the people of Austin. Willie Nelson, David Bowie, Natalie Merchant, the Gypsy Kings, Lyle Lovett, The Neville Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Widespread Panic and Norah Jones have all graced the tree surrounded stage.

But time and new developments in the surrounding area seem to be taking the magic away from this great amphitheater. From Tim O’Connor, President/CEO of Direct Events (owner of The Backyard)

“I built the Backyard to produce events in an atmosphere that signifies Austin. When the venue opened we were in the middle of the Hill Country and it was a true experience. The Shops at The Galleria development that now surrounds the Backyard has taken away from some of the venue’s magic over the last few years.”

So what’s coming next? Again, from Tim O’Connor:

This may be the final season for the Backyard, but Direct Events is not closing the door on this live music staple. Direct Events has proposed a plan to the City of Bee Cave, and is working to secure their approval to develop a new Backyard in a new location that will not compromise the atmosphere of the venue.

If you are a Club Luck Member (Willie Nelson’s fanclub), you can access a limited number of exclusive pre-sale tickets for Willie Nelson and Friends’ show at the final season of The Backyard — starting today, July 19th at 10am CST. Tickets are available while supplies last. Login to the fanclub to access the tickets at: http://clubluck.willienelson.com.

If you aren’t a club luck member, you can join Club Luck and get instant access to these tickets by going to http://clubluck.willienelson.com. Visit Willie Nelson’s website for Willie’s tour schedule and more upcoming pre-sales.

Here is a photo of Willie Nelson performing live at The Backyard: