Raleigh Amphitheater: Downtown's newest performance venue
Downtown nightlife just got another shot in the arm with this month’s recent opening of the Raleigh Amphitheater, spanning the tract of land between Dawson, McDowell, Cabarrus and Lenoir Streets.
Oriented toward the southwest edge of the city skyline, once inside the amphitheater gates the view of the captivating Raleigh Convention Center’s Shimmer Wall and the illuminated high-rises peppering the horizon offers concert goers an extra visual perk for their buck. Directly across the venue from the stage, it’s possibly a view the performers will enjoy from their vantage point on stage even more.
Although the Cree Shimmer Wall provides a glimmering backdrop, don’t expect the venue itself to convey state-of-the-art glitz. What it does exude is a localized, homegrown feel and taste. And it does it quite well.
The concessions aren’t your average fare – find tasty beverages provided by Big Boss and other local brewing companies in addition to the Budweiser and Pepsi products. As for the food, choose among popular edibles from local area restaurants like The Pit, The Raleigh Times and Sitti (all part of local Empire Eats food group).
Owned and operated by the City of Raleigh, this boutique amphitheater offers a much more intimate setting than you’ll find down the road at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek. Making room for 5,500 people, there’s permanent seating, a limited number of VIP boxes, some grassy lawn space available for those with blankets in hand (no lawn chairs allowed), and temporary seating that can be reconfigured depending upon the style and demands of the various shows.
A broad range of programming is promised. Around 24 shows are planned for this abbreviated inaugural season, set to run through the month of October. In addition to the traditional music concerts expected, it will also play host to live theatrical productions, stand-up comedy tours, local festivals, and even possible ballet performances.
Highlights currently on the roster: Rent takes the stage for two nights (7/2-7/3), sassy comedian Chelsea Handler rules the roost (7/30), O.A.R. brings their pop sound back to the Triangle (8/10) and The Black Crows rock it out (9/17). The show calendar is in constant update mode with Live Nation signed on as the lead promoter for the venue.
Ultimately, performances will be booked for an approximate seven-month season from April through October showcasing 30-40 events per year.
In its infancy, perched in the heart of the capital, the Raleigh Amphitheater has an opportunity to formulate an exciting identity that can be recognized and linked to the city within which it sets. Hopefully it will succeed in positively branding visitors’ experiences not only at the venue, but with their exposure to downtown Raleigh’s growing dining and nightlife options as well.
HelloRaleigh Tip: Soak up the downtown scene and make it a full night out with a visit before and/or after the show to some of the area restaurants and bars just blocks away from the venue! For last-minute ticket purchases, the on-site box office is open two hours prior to showtime at Gate 1 (corner of McDowell & Cabarrus), while advance ticket purchases can be made in person at the nearby Progress Energy Center Box Office (2 East South Street) or online at www.livenation.com.
Posted by Angela Risko
