Camping Returns to Alpine Valley

The conversion, which would create 554 camping spaces including room for 45 RVs, is expected to accommodate up to 3,324 campers at the Live Nation-operated venue with the approval May 19 by the Walworth County Zoning Agency, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

The change would reduce Alpine Valley’s current 35,600 capacity by 9,900, according to the paper. But venue GM Brian Rutkowski told the county agency that it would help bring in shows, artists and festivals “historically tied to a camping-type facility.”

“You guys have all seen our attendance numbers drop down, our show counts drop down,” Rutkowski reportedly told the agency. “We’re trying to rebound, change with the times, and bring back a facility that has been a great asset in the area and allow people to come in and enjoy shows more frequently.”

Alpine Valley Music Theatre reported six concerts to Pollstar last year, including two nights each with Dave Matthews Band and Phish. The venue is not permitted to have more than 18 concerts each season, according to the Journal-Sentinel.

The approval is the culmination of 18 months of negotiations between Live Nation and local officials, according to the paper. Camping hasn’t been permitted since the 1980s when The Grateful Dead’s followers took over the lots. But Live Nation has reportedly assured the neighbors that scenes of Deadheads taking over people’s yards and blocking traffic won’t be repeated.

It probably didn’t hurt that only two concerts – Dave Matthews Band July 1-2 – are approved for camping this season. A week later, two dates with Alpine Valley Music Theatre – the supergroup featuring Grateful Dead members and John Mayer – will not be open for camping.