Onondaga County is putting the finishing touches on the latest improvements to the St. Joseph’s Health Ampitheater at Lakeview as the summer concert season begins. It’s year four for the Amp, which has found its footing after a controversial start, according to County Executive Ryan McMahon.
"Look at our 2018 season. We had over 200,000 tickets sold. We had over a $25 million economic impact," said McMahon. "The facility itself made almost $300,000. The majority of parks don’t make money, this made money."
McMahon said the experience at the Amp this year will be better than ever. Music promoter Live Nation has been able to attract a wider variety of acts this year, including popular rapper Cardi B. The county is installing more lighting for safety, it’s paved over gravel in the food areas, and brought in more port-a-potties.
There has also been a shift towards more local food. For example, Mark Bulllis of Bull and Bear says it made sense for his restaurant to become part of the food court.
"We get to be in front of Syracuse’s best population," said Bullis. "It’s great for marketing and seemed like a fun thing to do this summer."
Country artist Jason Aldean kicked off the summer schedule Thursday night, the earliest ever concert date at the venue.
