Virginia Beach amphitheater will reopen in time for May concert after fire, Live Nation says
Ticketholders for concerts coming up soon at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach can rest easy.
The shows will go on.
The venue is on track to open for the first scheduled concert — Janet Jackson and Ludacris — in May, despite damage from a recent fire, according to concert promoter Live Nation.
Virginia Beach Fire Department investigators determined the March 3 fire at the amphitheater was accidental, the company said Tuesday in a joint news release with the city of Virginia Beach.
“There is no structural damage to the venue and repairs will begin soon,” the release said. “Thank you to the VBFD for their swift response and ongoing partnership.”
The fire damaged the production area near the loading docks, according to a fire department spokesperson. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.
It happened before the start of the amphitheater’s summer season, with concerts from Janet Jackson, Chris Stapleton and Fall Out Boy on the schedule.
The Virginia Beach Development Authority owns the amphitheater and it approved $1 million for repairs in November. Live Nation leases the amphitheater, which was built in 1996. It can seat more than 20,000 ticket holders including 13,000 on the lawn.
Tuesday’s statement from the city and Live Nation did not address the cost for repairs.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
