2014 Premier San Antonio Gun Shows

[M2]

I’ve come to the conclusion that my posting individual threads a few weeks before these great gun shows here in San Antonio may not be giving everyone enough time to prepare to attend, so for 2014 I’m taking a different approach to letting everyone know about the best gun show in the area, the Premier Original San Antonio Gun Show!

So, instead this year I am going to start one thread listing all the dates, and I’ll post updates and reminders to it so folks can subscribe to it and get everything they need to know without having to find the new thread!

First, there are two shows scheduled so far this year….

March 22 & 23, 2014
May 31 & June 1, 2014

Both will be at the Freeman Expo Hall next to the AT&T Center (3201 East Houston Street) here in San Antonio. Hours are Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm; and general admission is still only $8 (cash only), weekend passes are $12 (also cash only) and children UNDER 12 and Uniformed Peace Officers get in free!

And, thanks to the nice folks at Premier, parking is FREE!!

Befriend Premier Gun Shows on Facebook and learn the secret word that gets you a dollar off entry posted before every show, or you can join their email list and get a dollar off as well!

A group of us meet up for breakfast at 8am on Saturdays not far from the show at Teran’s (4403 E Houston St). Feel free to join us if you’re interested!
Again, subscribe to this thread and I’ll post any updates and reminders about a month and two weeks prior to the show!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

We're about a month out from the 22-23 March Premier Original San Antonio Gun Show, I hope everyone is making plans to attend!

Cheers! M2

 

[calaverasslim]

I was under the impression that since the property is owned by the city, that there is a parking fee. Last time they had the show, they were hitting people for $3 for parking.

Maybe I'm wrong

 

[M2]

There is/was a parking fee, but the nice folks at Premier are now paying it so starting with this past December show and from here on out, you do not have to pay to park.

 

[Charger442]

The "nice folks" at Premier are running vendors off who have always gotten tables with them since they started coming to SA. ill attend the March show and probably never again.

FYI, the county charges $2 for a car to park. you'll be absorbing it through the ticket prices and the prices they charge vendors for tables at the show.

 

[M2]

How exactly are they "running them off?" There doesn't seem to be a shortage of vendors at the show, so I really don't see what you're talking about.

Secondly, the price of entry into the show hasn't changed since Premier started paying for the parking and as far as I know the cost of tables hasn't either; so your theory of "absorbing it through the ticket prices and the prices they charge vendors for tables at the show" doesn't seem to hold true either.

Lastly, if you're so "upset" with this show then why are you bothering to go to the March one?!?

If anything will kill this show, it'll be the lack of attendance. If that happens (and I hope it doesn't), it will be a real shame as it would be a huge set-back for the gun community in SA...

 

[Charger442]

a family member of mine gets a table everytime. i work the table usually on saturday. i talk to other table buyers. they have expressed frustration with the organizers. this is not news to Premier.

Why do you think they cut it down to two shows this year? Instead of the four last year?

If they leave and dont come back, it wont be any blow to the gun community. The gun community in SA does not live or die by two shows a year from a Fort Worth show organizer.

 

[M2]

I know a lot of vendors at this show, and talk to them as well. Some express frustration because attendance therefore sales are not as high as they would like, and a few don't like such a large show because it gives potential customers a chance to shop around for the best price; but I have not heard any complaints about the promoters.

And I believe the attendance issue is why there are only two shows scheduled this year, if it doesn't pick up there may not be any more but I tell you that is the main reason.

Lastly, if you honestly think the loss of this show wouldn't be good for the gun community in SA, then you're sadly mistaken. SAXET is the only other large show, and it only started getting better after Premier started their shows.

However, the SAXET shows still leave a lot to be desired...many non-gun vendors, narrow aisles, and many complain that it's the same stuff every month. At least with Premier we are getting some different vendors and goods. If you can't see how Premier's departure would have a negative effect on the firearms community around here, you're shortsighted. Just take a look at what's happening with gun shows up in Austin to better understand how bad things can get before you make such statements...

 

[M2]

This show is only two weeks from today! I hope everyone has plans to attend, and I hope we see you there!

Cheers! M2

 

[GEM]

M2 - know anything about the Liberty Gun Show up by Helotes? I've seen the sign but not gone by.

 

[M2]

GEM

Went to the first one, simply because it was so close to home. This is the same show that was at the Live Oak Civic Center before that venue closed and will soon be torn down (a hotel will be built in its place).

Pedrotti’s Ranch was an interesting place to relocate to, I'll say that! It's still a pretty a small show but the new venue is nicer than the old civic center. The lighting was really poor in some parts so it would be a good idea to bring a small flashlight if you're wanting to look something over closely.

Also, the entrance and parking are actually along the power lines adjacent to the building, so don't try to use the main entrance. They have a police officer stationed there who will direct you to the other entrance. There is no charge for parking, but entry is $7 per person which is a bit steep for such a small show (I'd guess 200 tables at the most).

When we went it was starting to get a little crowded when we left and the aisles are pretty tight, but they do have an ATM machine and a small concession stand in the back with a few food and drink items for sale.

However, feedback I got afterward from attendees and vendors was that many felt the show wasn't great, there were the obvious issues with the venue that Liberty has to work out, but given this was their first show there some were willing to give Liberty a break this time. However, if they don't get them resolved soon, I can see this show declining quickly.

I like the location because it is close, but if vendors do start pulling out (as I know of at least two of which have doneg so already), I think most folks will just stick with the monthly SAXET show which costs about the same with parking and is several times larger, or the this Premier show which is the best one in the area and costs about the same, but is usually only held four times a year...

Cheers! M2

 

[Hollerpoint]

How many tables at the SA show? I may make the drive from Llano.

 

[M2]

800.

 

[M2]

OK folks, just a friendly reminder that we are a week away from the best gun show in the Central Texas area, the Premier Original San Antonio Gun Show!

I hope everyone has plans to attend, we’ll see ya there!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

Everything's still on for breakfast at 8am tomorrow and the gun show after that, hope to see a lot of folks there!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

We had a nice crowd for breakfast and the show was good as well. For some reason it seemed like there were either new vendors or at least different goods available, as while we normally get through everything in about two hours, this time it took three!

My buddy bought a nice FN .45 pistol and another bought an AR lower; but I am not sure if anyone else from breakfast got anything as we all went in different directions once we got through the door. I have a line on something I am interested in, but the details will have to remain "classified" until such time as the deal is done as I don't want to jeopardize the transaction!

The great news is that more dates have been announced for 2014! The remaining Premier San Antonio Gun Shows will be:

31 May and 1 June
19 & 20 July
30 & 31 August
18 & 19 October

Plus there will be a show in December, but the dates are still to be determined!

So mark your calendar and tell your friends! This is the best show in the area, and one you definitely don't want to miss!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

Well, it’s just a few weeks out from the 31 May – 1 Jun Premier San Antonio Gun Show, so here’s everyone’s WARNORD so they can make plans to attend!

Breakfast will be at the usual location (Teran’s) at the usual time (8:00am) on the usual day (Saturday), see my first post for more details and directions.

I’m sure we’ll have another good crowd, I hope to see some new faces this time around! Please let me know if there are any questions!

Cheers! M2

 

[wally]

Bummer that it conflicts with the HGCA show at Reliant in Houston.

 

[M2]

Just one more week until the Premier San Antonio Gun Show! I am really looking forward to it, and hope there’s another good crowd and lots of great stuff there!

See y'all at breakfast on Saturday!

Cheers! M2

p.s. Went to a militaria show in Schertz this morning and talked with a buddy who is normally a vendor at the SAXET and Premier shows. He said he is heading to the HGCA show in Houston next weekend but admitted that the Premier show would be the better of the two. I went to a HGCA a few years back and while it was big, I didn't find it worth the six-hour round trip especially considering how much they gouge you to park at the Reliant ($10) versus it being free at the Premier show. Plus it costs less to get in ($8 vs $10) and you can print a dollar off coupon from Premier's website. Factor in the cost of gas from San Antonio (even in my economic Toyota, it's fifty bucks for the 440 mile round trip) and I just can't justify it. If you're much closer to Houston then it would make sense, otherwise I think the Premier show is the wiser choice!

 

[M2]

Just one last reminder that the Premier San Antonio Gun Show is this weekend, 31 May – 1 June. It’s going to be another great show, and hopefully we’ll see everyone there!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

It’s only two more weeks until the next Original San Antonio Gun Show! That right, folks, the nice folks from Premier will be back in the Alamo City on 19 & 20 July for yet another great event!

Details such as location, times, entry, parking are the same…the show will be held at the Freeman Exposition Hall next to the AT&T Center (3201 East Houston Street). Hours are Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm; and general admission is still only $8 (cash only). Weekend passes are $12 (also cash only) and children UNDER 12 and Uniformed Peace Officers get in free!

Once again, thanks to the nice folks at Premier, parking is FREE!!

Befriend Premier Gun Shows on Facebook and learn the “secret word" posted before every show that will get you a dollar off entry, or you can join their email list and get a dollar off as well!

The usual group is meeting up for our pre-show breakfast at 8am on Saturday at Teran’s (4403 E Houston St). C’mon out and join us!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

Now it’s only one week before the Premier San Antonio Gun Show! Hoping to see a lot of folks there!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

Just one more reminder that the Premier San Antonio gun show is this weekend, 19-20 July! Hope to see you there!

Cheers! M2

 

[M2]

For all who enjoy going to the Premier San Antonio Gun Show, the owners of the venue—Bexar County—want to double the price of parking which will result in this show possibly ending after the next event, 30-31 August 2014!

Currently, Premier is covering the cost at $3.50/vehicle, which they pay out of their advertising budget in hopes that free parking for the show participants will bring more folks to the show; but at $7 it just is not economically feasible for them to absorb the cost and continue only charging $8 for admission.

Premier is still waiting on a final decision from the county, but unless the latter is willing to compromise, it will lead to the August show being the last one.

Below is a copy of the email I sent to Bexar County District 4 Commissioner, Tommy Adkisson ([email protected]) cc'ing his chief of staff Mario Llano ([email protected]) and executive assistant Monica Martinez ([email protected]).

I urge all fans of this show to either submit a similar email, mailing it to him at 101 W. Nueva, Suite 1029, San Antonio, TX 78205 or calling Commissioner Adkisson's office at (210) 335-2614.

Those of us who enjoy this show need to let them know to do everything they can to ensure it sticks around! Please feel free to share the above information to anyone and everyone who is a fan of this show!

Cheers! M2

Commissioner Adkisson

It is my understanding that the management of the Freeman Exposition Hall is trying to increase the price of parking for the Original San Antonio Gun Show from $3.50 per vehicle to $7.00.

Several months back, the show promoters, Premier Gun Shows out of Dallas/Fort Worth, decided to absorb the cost of parking out of its advertising budget in an attempt to draw more customers to the show and our area.

As Bexar County is the owner of that Freeman Exposition Hall, I hope it is within your power to intervene in this attempted cost increase as it will effectively shut down this show. It is economically unfeasible for Premier to pay $7 per vehicle then only charge $8 for entry, resulting in a profit of only one dollar per participant.

In case you are not aware, each show--which occur six times during the year--brings in tens of thousands of dollars to the local economy. Not only does it involve the buying and selling of firearms, accessories and other items at the show; but the show itself brings in hundreds of vendors and participants to San Antonio who in turn spend money on local hotels, restaurants and at other businesses as well as to the local government through the collection of sales tax.

This attempt to raise the price of parking by the management of the Freeman Expo Hall will bring this revenue to an end. I can see no reason for the increase, as with Premier paying for the parking there is no requirement to have Expo Hall personnel collect monies at the entry to the lot.

I respectfully ask that you do everything within your power to stop this increase from happening. This attempt to extort a few more dollars from the promoter will effectively cause the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars for local businesses and the county. Additionally, no money will be made from an empty venue, so economically it makes much more sense for the county to continue profiting from the current arrangement than risk losing it all in a feeble attempt to squeeze a few more dollars out of the promoter.

I appreciate anything you can do to assist in a positive resolution to this matter.

Respectfully,

<signature block>
Bexar County Resident

 

[M2]

This weekend (30-31 Aug 2014) could be it, folks, the last Premier Gun Show in San Antonio!

Bexar county is trying to double what they charge the nice folks at Premier for parking at the Freeman Expo Hall. As you know, Premier started paying for the parking a few months back in order to draw more people to the show. Unfortunately, with the county trying to extort more money from them, it looks like this coming weekend’s show could be the last one!

But let’s focus on the positive for now, the Premier gun show this weekend!

Details are the same…the show is at the Freeman Exposition Hall next to the AT&T Center (3201 East Houston Street). Hours are Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm; and general admission is still only $8 (cash only). Weekend passes are $12 (also cash only) and children UNDER 12 and Uniformed Peace Officers get in free!

We’re doing the usual pre-show breakfast at Teran’s (4403 E Houston St) at 8am on Saturday. Please join us, and bring a friend (or two)!

Otherwise, you can “friend” Premier Gun Shows on Facebook and learn the “secret word” posted before every show that will get you a dollar off entry.

You can also join their email list and get a dollar off as well!

Parking, despite the county’s best efforts, is still FREE!!

Hope to see everyone there!

Cheers! M2