By Christina Mimms for The Aha! Connection
Note from Audra: I’ve heard a bunch of DHS Seniors are headed to see Brad Paisley next Friday night!!!
Atlanta has the good fortune to draw most major artists on concert tours, even giving them their pick of venues to play – will they choose State Farm Arena, Chastain Amphitheatre, Gwinnett Arena, Cobb Energy Centre or … Alpharetta’s Ameris Bank Amphitheatre?
If you’re now thinking “Huh?” you’re probably not alone but this is a venue not to be missed, especially if one of your favorite artists is playing there. A 10-mile drive from the center of Dunwoody and easily navigated both for entering and exiting, the Alpharetta Amphitheatre is worth the drive, time and time again.
More recently known as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, the 12,000-seat, open-air venue opened in 2008 with a performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and has since welcomed shows from Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Nickelback, Poison, Dierks Bentley and Kidz Bop, among many others. The Big Apple Circus has used the parking area at Ameris as its home as well. Still to come on their 2019 schedule are Brad Paisley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience. Check out the calendar here.
Inside the venue, covered seating includes reserved tables and four sections of seats. An open lawn area provides additional seating but plan to arrive early to claim your spot if you purchase lawn tickets. Many shows include a secondary stage in front of the lawn seating where musicians will play a few songs. Big screens at the sides of the stage bring the performers to larger-than-life status.
For food, attendees can enjoy the usual arena fare but King of Pops and specialty alcohol vendors often set up carts with additional items for sale. Outside food and beverages may not enter the venue.
Parking is available adjacent to the amphitheater with overflow in nearby office lots. Tailgating is permitted in some parking areas at select shows – check before you go.
Hosting about 30 concerts and events each year, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre offers a fantastic venue that is convenient to residents in Dunwoody as well as Sandy Springs, North Fulton and East Cobb. Mark it worth the drive!
