Chicago Shed Expands

Charter One Pavilion on Chicago’s Northerly Island will expand its capacity to host up to eight 30,000-capacity shows in coming years, Live Nation announced March 25, after securing the city’s blessing.

The shed has been hosting 7,500-capacity shows during summers on the island, but with the addition of 600 temporary seats and lawn space for 22,000 on a reclaimed waterfront that previously was the site of Meigs Field.

The bigger capacity gets its first test with two of the biggest outdoor draws of any year: Jimmy Buffett June 29 and Phish July 19-21.

Improvements to Charter One Pavilion include upgraded video screens, sound and lighting systems, restrooms and VIP club, as well as an enlarged stage to go with the expanded lawn, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Charter One will remain a “temporary” facility – structures and seats are removed and stored during the off-season.

There are no plans, however, to increase parking on the island. Live Nation’s Mark Campana told the paper that it’s not a concern, as a pedestrian walkway from nearby Soldier Field will be enlarged.

“The parking remains the same as we do for the venue currently,” Campana told the Sun-Times. “We will increase the pedestrian walkway … giving half of the boulevard over to pedestrians, and we’ll increase our [parking lot] trolleys, too. Soldier Field is set up for 65,000; this venue will be 30,000. We have enough parking.”