Features
Jones Beach Theater Back In Business
Following more than $20 million in reconstruction, Nikon At Jones Beach Theater is all set to welcome back artists and fans, seven months after the Wantagh, N.Y., venue was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy.
The Jones Beach Theater officially reopened its doors today, ready to launch its summer concert season with Rascal Flatt’s May 31 concert. Friday’s gig also features The Band Perry and Cassadee Pope.
When Superstorm Sandy hit the New York area in late October with a storm surge of 8-10 feet, Jones Beach Theater’s ground floor, sub-structures and pathways under the venue were submerged, damaging the stage, seats, backstage concessions and VIP areas.
The reconstruction effort – which created 225 jobs for local workers, contractors, vendors and union laborers – began with pumping 3 million gallons of sea water out of the theater and removing hundreds of tons of debris, damaged structures and equipment.
During the past seven months the stage and boardwalk and their substructures were completely rebuilt from scratch; more than 9 miles of MGM cable were replaced in the tunnels and access ways below Jones Beach Theatre; and more than 200 doors on the venue’s main level were replaced. To prepare for future catastrophes, sections of the venue’s infrastructure were redesigned including relocating the main electrical system to the second floor.
Photo: PRNewsFoto/Live Nation Entertainment
The Jones Beach Theater shows off its post-Superstorm Sandy reconstruction.
Live Nation’s John Ahrens points out that the reconstruction project was such a success because of the collaboration between companies and government agencies involved, including LN, insurer Zurich, architects EwingCole, construction company Skanska and the New York State Parks Department.
And now the Jones Beach Theater is back and better than ever. Fans can look forward to a bunch of new features including new concessions operations, additional soda machine locations, new orchestra seating, an upgraded box office and an expanded VIP area with new decking, updated furniture and renovated bathrooms. Plus, there are more point of concession sales equipped with the latest technology, which means lower wait times for fans.
The venue’s summer lineup includes Pitbull & Ke$ha, Fleetwood Mac, Rush, Dave Matthews Band, Heart, One Direction, The Rascals, Phish and more.