Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Opens After Renovation | Photo by Alive Coverage
NEW YORK – Through a partnership between New York State Parks (Parks) and Live Nation, a renovated Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Bay Parkway in Wantagh, New York, reopens for the 2024 summer concert season.
The venue’s modernization is the largest investment in the theater’s history. It will preserve this iconic location for generations and solidify its status as a bucket-list destination for concertgoers. The multi-year project integrates robust improvements and upgrades into the theater’s original design.
According to Parks, the renovation required 1,850 local construction professionals, 95% of whom are Long Islanders, who worked over 245,000 hours. The landmark venue’s reopening culminates three years of planning and nearly two years of construction, resulting in a refreshed and reenergized Jones Beach Theater.
“This project is the latest example of our commitment to restore Jones Beach to its historic grandeur,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “For more than 70 years, the Jones Beach Theater has been the go-to place for world-class musical performances in an unparalleled setting.
On the other hand, Tom See, president of Live Nation’s Venue Nation, said, “We’re preserving the magic of watching live music on the bay while creating an exciting future for Jones Beach Theater.”
Initially opened in 1952, the venue was built on the site of Zach’s Bay Stadium, an outdoor entertainment venue that hosted water circuses, boat races, and musicals. Over the decades, the theater has evolved, marking significant milestones such as the first rock concert by Blue Oyster Cult in 1978 and a permanent shift to concerts initiated by an Eric Clapton show in 1983.
Known for its stunning seaside location and world-class performances, Northwell at Jones Beach Theater has hosted numerous legendary artists, including Sting, Smashing Pumpkins, Ariana Grande, Prince, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton, Kendrick Lamar, Van Halen, Lauryn Hill, and Stevie Nicks.
The transformation of Northwell at Jones Beach Theater even extends the experience of visiting artists and their crew. As they arrive early in the morning and step off their tour buses, Parks said, they will be greeted by an exclusive beach they can use throughout their stay. This private beach, serviced by a dedicated Jones Beach lifeguard, includes hammocks, Adirondack chairs, paddle boats, and more. All dressing rooms have been completely renovated with modern conveniences, and production load-in areas have been expanded to accommodate three times as many trucks and four additional buses.
According to Parks, after a great season kick-off with the Outlaw Music Festival, this summer’s lineup promises many exciting performances, including Pitbull, Dave Matthews Band, Maroon 5, Alanis Morissette, Jason Aldean, Imagine Dragons, Santana, Counting Crows, New Kids on the Block, Hootie & the Blowfish, and more. The newly renovated venue is also the perfect destination for special events, private events, company picnics, and community celebrations.
For tickets and more information, please visit JonesBeachTheater.com.
–With Ricky Rillera/PDM
