Can Carolina Entertainment Complex Finally Crack the Local Concert Scene?
One's a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the other's recent album release debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. Both are part of a local venue's effort to once and for all make a major splash on the Grand Strand area concert scene.
Next month, rock legend Lynyrd Skynyrd and nu metal giant Korn are the headline acts at the Carolina Entertainment Complex. Just north on Highway 501 in Marion, the former Carolina Ampitheatre is under new ownership, and on a mission to reverse its recent history of misfortune.
But bringing in big-name acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Korn this fall appears to be a mere appetizer for the venue's ambitious main course. That menu includes luring more bands of equal or greater stature to return for next spring, and plans for a Marion County Council-approved bingo hall, water park and hotel at the 160-acre site.
Can it become a viable alternative and competitor to the 10,000-seat ampitheater at Hard Rock Park, whose global brand promises to bring plenty of marquee acts themselves? The Complex certainly has the spacial capacity - nearly 7,000 permanent seats with room for several thousand more spectators on its 3.5-acre lawn, and 14,000 lighted parking spaces. Ticket prices range from $35 to $55, which can either be seen as expensive or cheap depending on your love of the performer.
Time will tell, as we'll have to wait until spring to see how Hard Rock's pricing structure and concert schedule ultimately shake out. The October shows up the road, though, will certainly provide an interesting test run and initial indicator. For their sake, I just hope their revamped restroom facilities are ready (I mean, how long can you hold your water during a typical 13-minute rendition of "Free Bird"?).
Weigh in, Beach Bloggers. What would it take for you to make the trip?
Sup, I got free transport, food, and tickets to the skynard show VIP BABY.-dont forget, its lynard skynard and BIG and rich- and warning to those who hope to see this parring elsewhere. You can for-git-about-it as the Sopranos say.If you check both bands schedules this is a ONE TIME SHOW. So see it while you can. This is going to be an awsome show. And that bingo hall is one that our tribe purposes to build down thier. If they treat us right and impress us they may just get it. They are difinitlly heading in the right direction.
Jeremythellama
Ps. To bad i cant get off work for the Korn show.
KORN ROCKS.