A member of Spears’ management, along with the singer, came onstage after the second song to inform the crowd that the show had to be canceled. Basic arena power and lighting were unaffected, but stage power had been lost. Spears’ show, which includes pyrotechnic effects and explosions, was apparently too much for the power supply.

“I’ve learned more about transformers in the past three days than I’ve ever really wanted to know about,” venue GM Kent Meredith told POLLSTAR. Electricians told him that every time a transformer peaks, it weakens. Among others, the venue has hosted large productions for shows by the Dixie Chicks, Creed, Rod Stewart and electrical vampires KISS.

Spears has a barge that flies above the stage with her and her dancers aboard, a bungee gimmick and a sheer water curtain near the finale.

“When [performers] bring up their cyberlights and their laser lights and everything else, it can shorten the life of a transformer,” he said. “I never knew that.”

The audience reportedly booed once it realized the cancellation announcement was not part of the show.

Meredith said he was hoping to get Spears to return rather than issue a refund even though it would cost the venue more money. Spears’ tour ends July 22nd in Dallas.

“Because most of the people we were dealing with were kids, they don’t care about the money,” he said. “They want to see Britney Spears. … I know, obviously, the routing plays into it and I know she’s awful busy, but boy, if we can work anything out, we’re willing to do whatever we can.”

The venue was informed June 19th there would be no return appearance; Spears’ tour ends July 22nd in Dallas. Promoter Concerts West cited her touring schedule as the reason. Refunds were issued for the 13,351 ticketholders at Lubbock’s Select-A-Seat main office. The venue, which opened three years ago, hosts the Texas Tech basketball team coached by Bobby Knight. It also happens to have The Eagles playing there June 28th but Meredith said concerns are minimal.

“Fortunately for us, the promoter for Britney is the same that’s doing The Eagles,” he said. “Doug Clouse (of AEG Concerts) was in the building that night and I can tell you he was great to work with; he was not hard-nosed about it like he could have been. Obviously, sometimes people think it’s a reflection upon everybody who’s associated with it.”

A new transformer that is twice as powerful as the old one has been purchased. Meredith said Lubbock Power & Light is volunteering to run diagnostics on the new one anytime before a show to ensure nothing like this happens again.

Meredith wondered if management stopped the concert too soon before consulting with the building, since arena lights were still running, but said those questions are moot. He also denied reports that Spears was booed.

“They weren’t booing her,” he said. “They were booing the situation. If anything, they were booing us, the building or the production folks. … She’s awful young but she’s also a professional and I think she knows that.”

He said he looked forward to having the chance to get redemption with The Eagles concert.