Richmond International Raceway (Richmond) and AEG Presents have agreed to an exclusive 10-year booking agreement for the region’s premier outdoor venue, The Classic Amphitheater at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The partnership brings two leaders in entertainment together long-term to bring the best touring artists in the world to the Richmond region.
The Classic Amphitheater has hosted top national recording artists such as Aerosmith, Sting, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Elvis Costello, Hank Williams, Jr., Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, and The Lumineers. Richmond’s strategic partnership with one of the nation’s leading live events companies, AEG Presents, will continue the success of bringing the top musical acts and superior concert experiences to music fans for the next decade.
“Our 10-year partnership with AEG Presents will continue to build the history of The Classic Amphitheater for the next generation of fans,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Classic Amphitheater, we look forward to the bright future of the facility with AEG Presents as new memories are made with iconic musicians performing at one of the best outdoor concert experiences in the region.”
The Classic Amphitheater kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebration in May with the godfather’s of alternative rock, Weezer, headlining iHeart Media’s regional musical festival, BFD. In June, Elvis Costello & The Imposters brought the “Imperial Bedroom & Other Chambers” tour along with Imelda May to The Classic Amphitheater. Dirty Heads & SOJA kicked off the month with a high-energy performance that kept fans on their feet.
“We look forward to working with Richmond over the next decade to make The Classic Amphitheater an ideal destination for the best touring artists in the world,” said Bill Reid, Senior Vice President, AEG Presents Mid-Atlantic. “In the midst of our first season, we are seeing the region rediscover The Classic Amphitheater and we are well on our way to making it one of the best outdoor concert venues in the country.”
The Amphitheater has 6,000 covered seats, six permanent private dressing rooms with restrooms and showers attached to the stage as well as two loading docks. There is a separate hospitality building providing a full menu of food and beverage amenities. The backstage area is completely secured with ample room for parking large vehicles and tour buses.
The 25th Anniversary celebration of The Classic Amphitheater continues with more concerts in 2017. Bryson Tiller with H.E.R. and Metro Boomin performs on Friday, September 1. The Head & The Heart with The Shelters presented by XL102 will take the stage on Sunday, October 1. Hard rock legend Rob Zombie brings his eccentric, heavy metal presence to The Classic Amphitheater on Friday, October 6. Tickets are available online at AXS.com, The National Box Office, or at the gate on the day of the concert.
Richmond’s 2017 NASCAR season concludes with two nights of racing “under the lights” on September 8-9. The fall race weekend, presented by Who’s Your Driver, will see history on display as Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes his final, career, two-race appearance at Richmond.
Fan Appreciation Weekend kicks into high gear Saturday morning with a full schedule of interactive events for NASCAR’s best fans, including the return of Gridside Live, which moves to The Classic Amphitheater. Stay connected to Richmond’s primary social channels on Twitter and Facebook as more announcements are set for the coming weeks, outlining some new, unprecedented elements to the Richmond fan experience, giving our Richmond Nation season ticket holders unparalleled access.
Witness history in the Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, September 9 as the regular season champion will be crowned along with Earnhardt’s final regular season Cup race at Richmond. Saturday night is also the last chance for many drivers to make it to the playoffs. The NASCAR weekend gets started on Friday, September 8, when the rising stars of tomorrow compete along with Earnhardt in the Virginia529 College Savings 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race following practice and qualifying for both series.
Tickets are available now for both the Monster Energy Series and NXS races at Richmond. To purchase tickets, visit rir.com or call 866-455-7223.
RIR PR
