'Big Gig' announces big changes to U.S. Cellular stage
New space to seat 9,000 people, offer charging stations
New space to seat 9,000 people, offer charging stations
New space to seat 9,000 people, offer charging stations
The 50th anniversary of Summerfest kicks off June of 2017 but the “Big Gig” has big plans for 2018.
“If you're not going forward, you are absolutely going backwards,” said Summerfest CEO Don Smiley.
Smiley announced Thursday that the U.S. Cellular Connection stage will be torn down and rebuilt for 2018. Construction is slated to begin as soon as next year's Big Gig is over.
The new space will seat 9,000 people. In the area around the stage will be charging stations in benches so music lovers can charge their devices.
“(The stage) will feature a 25-foot LED video screen, the largest video screen on the festival grounds,” said Jay Ellison, Vice president of Operations for U.S. Cellular. “We will also create a unique new backstage loft experience that will be used for artist meet and greets and interviews,”
The new stage will host mainly pop and country music acts, and Smiley said the reason for the upgrade is simple: competition.
“The competition is really global in nature,” said Smiley. "Really for these bands, whether they are in the grounds or in the amphitheater, we compete globally."
“We must keep up our facilities whether they are restrooms, stages, or bars or what have you. People notice,” he said. “The worst thing that can happen is that your infrastructure starts going downhill because once it’s goes downhill, it starts going downhill fast. So you have to really stay on top of that and keep improving,”
Smiley would not disclose the cost of the renovations but said it's in the millions of dollars.
Summerfest has announced two headlining acts for 2017: Pink and Red Hot Chili Peppers. When asked if he could reveal any other acts for 2017, Smiley responded: "soon."
In addition to the new stage, US Cellular and Summerfest extended their sponsorship agreement for another 10 years. Summerfest 2017 kicks off June 28.