Sneak Peek Of New Amphitheatre

By Duffie Dixon www.11alive.com

The new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn.

Trudging over the packed and graded Georgia Clay, Don Fox, the Chief Financial Officer of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, proudly surveys the 45 plus acres off Haynes Bridge Road in Alpharetta. "It's really amazing the work that's been done over the past ten months," remarked Fox. "There's still a lot to do but it's right on schedule."

Fox is talking about the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre that's set to open May 10. It will seat a 12,000 people. More than half of the seating is under a state-of-the-art 65-foot-high roof that leads out to a sprawling green lawn "We really wanted to created a park like setting. You'll notice we saved some of the biggest trees on the property, but we're also planting 1200 more," said Fox. Developers even had the foresight to dig a well on the property so they could water all of the green spaces.

As you walk the grounds, you see construction crews installing the last rows of seats, building the gates for the main entrance and finishing up the restrooms and walkways. The venue is specifically designed to be wider instead of deeper to create great views of the stage no matter where you're at. Each side has concessions, hot food and restrooms in addition to kiosks for snacks and merchandise.

Right now there are eight symphony concerts already scheduled for this summer along with 17 popular music shows. The Eagles are kicking off their North American tour May 14. All four shows have already sold out. Tickets were bought from people in 48 different states and several other countries. Fox says they also hope to use the amphitheatre for local events. Alpharetta High School seniors will take the stage this spring for graduation ceremonies May 24. Neighbors seem mostly supportive of the new outdoor venue. "I think it's fantastic. I'm a big lover of music. I play drums and I think it will be great for the community and bring a lot of life to the area," said resident Andy Nigro. There are some though who worry about possible noise and traffic. "I'm a little concerned about the traffic primarily on the weekends because that's when I'm out on you know Mansell Road and Old Milton Parkway. I'm sure it will be bringing in a lot of people," said resident Christy Turner.

The marketing department for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra say it is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation on a comprehensive traffic plan. It includes bringing in patrons off three separate exits off Georgia 400 and a color coded parking system. Organizers say they have also addressed possibly noise issues and security. "We are very conscious of the neighbors. We want them to feel a part of the community as well so we want to take every step to make sure they're enjoying it whether they're here or at home," said Holly Clausen, Director of Marketing for Popular Presentations. The amphitheatre in Alpharetta brings a new element North of Atlanta. Fox say the next closest outdoor venue of its caliber is Chastain Park which the Orchestra already uses.