Innsbrook Afterhours Kicks Off 26th Season With New & Improved Venue

Few things in the Far West End signal the unofficial start of summer more than concerts at Innsbrook Afterhours, an outdoor venue that attracts tens thousands of fans annually and many nationally-touring acts. When the amphitheater opens tonight with southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, fans will most likely notice some major improvements to the stage and surrounding […]

April 28, 2011; 9:47 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Crews dismantled the old 40-by-32-foot stage over the winter months and replaced it with a larger 60-by-40-foot one that’s higher off the ground to give fans a better view of artists and vice versa. The covered stage was also moved back to allow more elbow room for those attending shows.

In addition to the new stage, sky boxes have been added towards the back of the venue. Sky box tickets to most shows will run around $100 and include food and beverage, according to officials. The new seating option is geared towards businesses in the area that might take large group outings to Innsbrook shows.

Brad Wells of Sea of Sound Productions, the company responsible for management of the venue, told Innsbrook Today Magazine the new improvements are just the beginning of what’s planned for the future.

“I think you’ll see a new and improved Innsbrook venue; it’s all about working towards a state of the art facility ultimately and we’re taking the steps to get there,” Wells said.

“We be getting bigger and better artists and will have a better experience all the way around with a low ticket price.”

Besides season opener Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stone Temple Pilots, Melissa Etheridge, O.A.R. and Kansas are all scheduled to perform, along with other nationally-known artists. The full 2011 season schedule can be downloaded on the Innsbrook Afterhours website.