Boardwalk redeveloper plans summer stage improvements
City's Planning Board approves seating
The Stone Pony Summer Stage will undergo a bit of centering before this season’s May kick-off.
Boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette said it will not only center the stage but to also realign the bleacher seating.
The boardwalk redeveloper plans on removing a utility pole that once cast lighting onto the boardwalk and surrounding area, which will make way for the layout improvements.
But before the work could begin, Madison sought permanent site plan approval for their Summer Stage Series layout. Last year, the Planning Board granted a temporary one year approval that included the 279-bleacher seats used during the summer series.
On Monday night, the Planning Board granted permanent site plan approval, which includes the flexibility to use the bleacher seating.
Madison Marquette’s Senior Vice President Anselm Fusco said there will be no changes to the seating configuration other than a shift closer to the historic Stone Pony building.
Fusco said the shift will allow them to widen the entrance area and place bathrooms along the back wall behind the seating area.
The new layout also allows for service consolidation, Director of Retail Carrie Turner said.
The trailers will be replaced by pop-up shipping containers, similar to those currently used along the boardwalk.
The containers will be used as temporary bars, for the selling of merchandise, and as information hubs for any organizations associated with the performers.
The Planning Board granted a maximum of eight 20-foot containers.
The boardwalk redeveloper will still need to acquire the proper permits and fire department approvals for the concert events.
Stone Pony’s 2015 Summer Stage schedule includes:
Friday, May 15th – Halestorm with The Pretty Reckless
Saturday, May 23rd – Pixies with TV On The Radio, John Grant
Saturday, June 13th – Third Eye Blind, Dashboard Confessional
Friday, June 26th – Gogol Bordello, Flogging Molly, with Mariachi El Bronx
Friday, July 3rd – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Friday, July 10th – Cake
Saturday, July 11th – Slightly Stoopid with Dirty Heads & The Expendables
Friday, July 17th – Umphrey’s McGee with Lettuce
Saturday, July 18th – 311
Friday, August 7th – NEEDTOBREATHE with Switchfoot
Visit Live Nation and Stone Pony websites for tickets and further details.
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