Ntelos Bounces Back

The future of Portsmouth, Va.’s Ntelos Pavilion @ Harbor Center looked shaky after Hurricane Isabel destroyed its roof in 2003. But those trials are history now, and with a new management company on board, the city has settled its disputes with the former venue manager.

Integrated Management Group’s monthly reports for the 6,500-capacity amphitheatre show about $150,000 in revenue to the city more than halfway through the shed’s concert season, which began mid-April.

Integrated president/executive director Ken MacDonald said the numbers are a good start.

“I think what’s been consistent is it’s been a wonderful venue. The bands like to play in it and people like seeing shows in it.” MacDonald told Pollstar. “It’s exceeded our expectations for the first year and we’re looking at it essentially as a five-year deal with a five-year renewal.

“We want to book it well and produce great shows. That’s all, in the long run, people are going to recognize.”

Portsmouth officials agreed September 14th to pay the amphitheatre’s former manager, Harbor Center Joint Venture, $650,000 to end a two-year dispute over the company’s business losses related to Hurricane Isabel. The 2004 season was scrapped after the amphitheatre’s canopy roof was torn to shreds.

James Brown, Lyle Lovett, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Widespread Panic are a few of the acts that have taken the stage there this season. The Gigantour featuring Megadeth is set for October 3rd and Everclear will make a stop October 15th.

– Tina Amendola