Buck Owens‘ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, Calif., is closing after more than 28 years in business, according to reports.

When Did Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Open?

ABC 23 News in Bakersfield reports that the iconic venue opened in October of 1996 and hosted performances from a large number of national touring country artists, as well as local artists who played there regularly.

According to that report, a “challenging business climate plus the wishes of the Owens family members to step back from the responsibilities of management” are to blame for the decision to close the iconic venue.

“This starts off very depressing for us, very bittersweet, and what I’ve learned in thinking about it — the same came up when we listed it for sale — just to be so proud of 28+ years, that’s a big deal,” says Jim Shaw, who has spent more than 55 years with the Owens family … first as one of Owens’ band, the Buckaroos, and then involved in various businesses.

“This place, almost three decades of probably one of the more famous venues in the world for country music,” Shaw states.

When Did Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Open?

Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace opened in October of 1996.

Why Did Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Close?

According to a statement, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace closed due to “a challenging business climate plus the wishes of the Owens family members to step back from the responsibilities of management.”

“For over 28 years, we brought the best of local and national entertainment to Bakersfield, served great food, and hosted thousands of special occasions for thousands of special people and families,” Owens’ family says in a statement.

What Will Happen to the Building Where Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Was?

There’s no information yet as to what might go into the space where Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace used to reside.