ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WKRG) – Whether it’s a hometown hero like Jimmy Buffet or fan-favorite Widespread Panic, the Wharf Amphitheater has hosted them all and now they’re recognized as one of the best venues in concert by the Academy of Country Music.
“It’s an honor,” said Kelly Powell, who works at the box office. “We have been nominated in the past. We are in good company this year. The other places are also wonderful places. We hope it will be our year this year.
Also nominated: Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Gilford, NH, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO, Saint Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine, FL and Whitewater Amphitheatre, New Braunfels, TX
There was little time to celebrate the nomination as Kenny Chesney’s tickets went on sale. The box office remains busy and with the lineup this spring and summer, they could be a lot busier.
“We’ve heard a lot about them,” Eddie Galloway said after buying his Chesney tickets. “They have a lot of good artists coming here.”
“We have great lineup this year,” Powell said. “Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney always bring a big crowd here to the beach. It’s always a fun time. Keith Urban returns.
Empty, the theater looks huge but when performers take the stage, “This room, there really is no bad seating,” Powell said. “You feel like one of the smaller venues, but we have room for over ten thousand people.”
This combination may be the ticket to them getting the ACM for the best outdoor venue in the country. The ACMs will be presented next month in Las Vegas.
