The Underground is about to open at the Music Factory. Here’s what to expect

The Live Nation venue is next door to the Fillmore in the former Bootlegger’s spot at the AvidXChange Music Factory.

The first show is Saturday, when local rockers Fiftywatt Freight Train and Something Clever take the stage. Not everything will be finalized by then — but you’ll be able to get a good look at what this venue will be.

At 600 seats, the Underground fills a crucial hole in Charlotte’s music scene. Look for The Underground to host both national acts and local bands.

[Agenda story: Inside Live Nation’s music venue strategy in Charlotte]

Expect some cosmetic changes and production improvement.

The barrel bar will remain, but will be painted over. Four feet will be cut from the bottom of it to create better sight-lines, said marketing director Chris Ozment.

About 50 boxes of light and sound equipment are being installed in the next few days, and the set-up will be state-of-the-art.

A wrap-around porch will come soon that will extend out to the street.

The parking deck should be opening imminently.

Construction on the new AvidXChange headquarters has caused a massive parking crunch at the Music Factory, but there is a parking deck under construction that will soon fix that. This could be as soon as the next week, and the bottom level may be open even before that.

The beer situation is still being worked out.

The latest word is that prices will be cheaper than at the Fillmore (where beers run $11+) and should have a good local draught selection. The draught system still needs to be installed and likely won’t be done before Saturday’s show.

The schedule is filling up.

Upcoming highlights include Kaleo (rock), Wheeler Walker Jr. (country) and Nothing But Thieves (alt rock). See the entire lineup here.