As Spokane, Washington, prepares for a musical milestone, the ONE Spokane Stadium is set to host its first-ever music festival this Friday, marking an exciting chapter for the venue and the city. With a projected attendance of around 8,000 to 10,000 fans, the Outlaw Music Festival promises to be a major event, kicking off an era of entertainment at the stadium.
The gates will open at 4 p.m., with the first notes of music expected to ring out around 5:15 p.m. This inaugural festival is more than just a concert; it represents the culmination of years of anticipation and planning by the Spokane Public Facilities District. For Matt Meyer, the stadium's director of entertainment, this event is a dream come true. “It’s something we didn’t want to miss out on and hopefully it starts that domino effect moving forward,” Meyer shared. Having legendary country music icons like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan perform on their stage is a significant achievement Meyer couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.
The excitement surrounding the festival is palpable, and it’s not just the locals who are eager to attend. Meyer revealed that about 35% of the tickets sold have been purchased by visitors from outside the Spokane area. This influx of tourists is a testament to the festival's appeal and a promising sign that future events could further boost Spokane’s profile as a music and entertainment destination.
To accommodate such high-profile events, the stadium has invested heavily in its infrastructure. One notable addition is one of the largest mobile stages in the country. This impressive setup allows the venue to quickly transition between different types of events, from music festivals to soccer games. Meyer explained that the stage can be dismantled and reassembled efficiently, taking roughly two days for setup once the crews are accustomed to the process.
Additionally, the Spokane Public Facilities District has invested in what it describes as the "Rolls Royce of Flooring." This advanced flooring system is designed to protect the soccer field during events, a critical feature that enables the stadium to host a diverse range of activities. Setting up the flooring is a labor-intensive process, involving about 30 people and taking around 20 hours, but it’s a necessary step to ensure the venue can accommodate various events smoothly.
The vision for the stadium extends beyond music festivals and sports. Paul Christiansen, the director of sports for Spokane Public Facilities, mentioned that the versatile flooring could also accommodate other events, including RV shows. This adaptability is a significant advantage for the stadium, as it allows for a wide range of uses and opportunities for community engagement.
Looking ahead, the Spokane Public Facilities District is already planning additional events. The success of the Outlaw Music Festival is expected to pave the way for more concerts and activities in the future. Tickets for the festival are still available, with prices ranging from $59.50 to $299.50, and can be purchased online.
As the stadium’s first music festival approaches, the excitement in Spokane is building. The Outlaw Music Festival is more than just a concert; it symbolizes the start of a new era for the ONE Spokane Stadium and a bright future for entertainment in the city. With its impressive investments and ambitious plans, the stadium is poised to become a key player in the regional entertainment scene, attracting visitors and offering unforgettable experiences for years to come.
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