1st concert at Macon amphitheater was big step in city’s music history. How was the turnout?

Under the flashing lights and surrounded by the sound of legendary rock-n-roll music, Macon wrote another chapter in its history of music over the weekend.

On Sunday, thousands filled the seats of the new Atrium Health Amphitheater to attend its inaugural concert headlined by Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.

Approximately 6,500 concert-goers attended the show, according to Macon Mayor Lester Miller. The venue can hold about 12,000 people.

Miller, who was at the venue several times throughout opening day and attended the concert, said it was an amazing night.

“I think it was a great night for Macon-Bibb and an amazing kickoff to a year of shows,” he said. “The management team has already booked a diverse lineup of shows in our first year, from southern rock to R&B to Hip Hop to country to comedy.”

Miller said attendance was high, but there was enough room for people to spread out and enjoy the concert comfortably.

The new arena is one of the two largest of its kind in the state. It is the most ambitious entertainment hall to be built in Middle Georgia since 1968, when the Macon Coliseum opened and its first singing act was James Brown.

“We’re told several other shows coming up are already outpacing this one in sales, so we’re looking forward to even bigger shows,” Miller said.

Miller said the entertainment wasn’t the only thing that went smoothly on opening night.

“The amazing staff got nearly 1,600 people through the gates within 20 minutes of them opening, which is incredible,” he said. “And then to have the entire venue and parking lot cleared of more than 6,000 people in fewer than 40 minutes from the end of the show is nothing short of amazing.

“That tells me we picked the right location for the amphitheater and the right team to manage it.”

Miller said Macon is a city and community that takes great pride in its music heritage, and the venue gives residents a place to bring larger groups and more people to see what it has to offer.

“We’ve known for years this could work because large acts have passed us over because we didn’t have a large enough venue, and the bookings this next year have proven that,” he said. “This is only going to get bigger and better, and more people will be coming here regularly to enjoy great music and events.”

Macon native Julie Busbee said she was initially skeptical when she heard where the location of the new amphitheater would be built, but said her experience at Sunday’s opening night far exceeded her expectations.

“It is a state of the art venue with no details spared - parking was easy and free, the sound system was great, and the seats were comfortable and roomy with leg room between the rows,” she said. “I doubt there is a bad seat anywhere.”

Busbee said she is excited to see how the amphitheater will add to Macon’s already stellar music history.

“Of course Macon is rich with musical history so having an outdoor venue for concerts is a benefit,” she said. I can’t wait to see who else will be coming in the future.”

Miller, who grew up in Bloomfield, said the improvements happening where the mall used to stand will continue to benefit the community.

The 12,000-capacity amphitheater will also welcome performances by Riley Green, Justin Moore, Lauren Daigle, Moneybagg Yo, Glorilla, Jason Aldean and more in 2024.