Hubbry Logo
The Gorge AmphitheatreThe Gorge AmphitheatreMain
Open search
The Gorge Amphitheatre
Community hub
The Gorge Amphitheatre
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
The Gorge Amphitheatre
The Gorge Amphitheatre
The Gorge Amphitheatre
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Gorge Amphitheatre, originally known as Champs de Brionne Music Theatre and commonly referred to as The Gorge, is an outdoor concert venue in Grant County, Washington, United States. It is situated near the Columbia River in Central Washington, nine miles (14 km) west of George. The venue is managed by Live Nation.

Key Information

It is a nine-time winner of Pollstar Magazine's award for 'Best Outdoor Music Venue' and was voted as one of the 'Best Outdoor Concert Venues in America' by ConcertBoom.[2]

About

[edit]

North of Interstate 90, The Gorge is approximately 150 miles (240 km) east of Seattle and approximately 130 miles (210 km) west of Spokane.[3] The venue offers views of the Columbia River, Columbia Gorge canyon, and eastern Kittitas and western Grant counties.[citation needed] Originally, the land was planned to be used for growing grapes for wine.

Early shot of "The Gorge", prior to expansion

The original amphitheater was owned and operated by Dr. Vincent Bryan and Carol Bryan, along with the adjoining Champs de Brionne winery, for which it was named. It opened in 1986 and seated 3,000 people, but had expanded to 19,000 by the time of its purchase by MCA in 1993.[4][5] The Gorge Amphitheatre was acquired by Live Nation in 2006.[6]

The Gorge is located in the United States
The Gorge
The Gorge
class=notpageimage|
Location in the United States
The Gorge is located in Washington (state)
The Gorge
The Gorge
class=notpageimage|
Location in Washington

The White River Amphitheatre on the Muckleshoot Indian reservation near Auburn opened in 2003, directly competing with The Gorge. The venue is substantially closer to Seattle, offering a shorter travel time: around 40 minutes, as compared to 2 hours 20 minutes to the Gorge, depending on traffic. However, a columnist for The Seattle Times noted The Gorge offers a preferable view and "experience".[7]

About 400,000 people attended concerts at The Gorge Amphitheatre in 2013.[8]

A documentary film titled Enormous: The Gorge Story was released in 2021.[9] The film focused on the venue and its music history.[10]

Notable performances and festivals

[edit]

Apart from drawing big-name performers, The Gorge has also played host to an array of popular music festivals, including Area Festival, Creation Festival, Dave Matthews Band Caravan, Endfest, H.O.R.D.E. Festival, Honda Civic Tour, Identity Festival, KUBE 93 Summer Jam, Lilith Fair, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest, Pain in the Grass, Paradiso Festival, Rock the Bells, Sasquatch! Music Festival, Uproar Festival, Vans Warped Tour, and Watershed Music Festival Above and Beyond Group Therapy.

As of 2025, Dave Matthews Band has played 79 shows at the venue, traditionally during their three-night Labor Day weekend run. The Gorge, a combination 2-CD/1-DVD set with highlights from their three-night 2002 tour closer here was released on June 29, 2004. Additionally, their September 4, 2016, tour closer was released as Live Trax, Vol. 44 on December 8, 2017.[11] Their performance on August 30, 2025, where they played their album Before These Crowded Streets in its entirety, will be released as Take Me Back: Live From the Gorge on February 6, 2026.

Phish has played the venue 22 times since 1997.

Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America" video was filmed at The Gorge on June 12, 2001.

Seattle-based Pearl Jam released a box set featuring their entire performances at the venue from 2005 and 2006, aptly titled Live at the Gorge 05/06.

Excision began hosting his annual weekend-long electronic music festival Bass Canyon at the venue in August 2018.[12] The second year of the festival took place on August 23–25, 2019, and featured artists such as Flux Pavilion, Zomboy, Wooli, Virtual Riot, Subtronics, Liquid Stranger, Excision himself, and many more.[12]

Beyond Wonderland an annual electronic music festival has used the venue since 2021.

Above and Beyond hosted their 250th episode of Group Therapy Radio at The Gorge on September 16, 2017, to September 17, 2017.[13] In January 2026, it was announced that they would return for Group Therapy 700 in September 11–13.[14]

On June 10, 2023, folk music legend Joni Mitchell headlined an event at The Gorge – her first ticketed event in more than 20 years.[15]

Camping

[edit]
Concert goers in 2010

Fans can stay in the campground for 24 hours on the day of a single show, or until 12 noon the day after a run of shows ends.[16] Camping at the Gorge requires the purchase of a camping ticket, which can be included in the concert admission ticket price.

The campground at the Gorge sets aside spaces for one car with up to two 2-person tents or a single RV. There are very limited RV hookups at the Gorge campground. Sites are set aside by venue staff on a first-come, first-served basis. Potable water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a convenience store are available on the grounds. The campground also has 24-hour security.[16]

There are also other camping options near the Gorge. Notably, less than 2 miles (3.2 km) away is the Wildhorse Campground, which offers a shuttle to and from the venue that is included in the price of camping.

Shooting

[edit]

On June 17, 2023, during the Beyond Wonderland music festival, a mass shooting occurred at a campground near the Gorge Amphitheatre.[17] The shooter killed two people and wounded two others.[18] In addition, a third person, a security guard, was bruised by a bullet that deflected off her eyeglasses.[19] A suspect, 26-year-old U.S. Army personnel James M. Kelly, a native of Strongsville, Ohio,[20] was shot by police and arrested.[21][22] The two fatalities were a female couple from the Seattle Area. The suspect was allegedly on psychedelic mushrooms during the shooting.[23]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Gorge Amphitheatre

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

The Gorge Amphitheatre is an outdoor concert venue located near George in , approximately nine miles west of the town and overlooking the . Opened in 1986 by Dr. Vincent Bryan and Carol Bryan with an initial seating capacity of 3,000, the site has since expanded to hold over 20,000 spectators across reserved seats and lawn areas. Acquired by MCA in 1993 and later by Live Nation in 2006, it is managed by the latter as one of America's premier destinations for live music, distinguished by its natural amphitheater acoustics and expansive vistas of the river gorge and canyonlands. The venue has hosted performances by artists such as the , which has appeared over 70 times, , and , alongside festivals including the , , and . It has received nine Pollstar Magazine awards for Best Outdoor Music Venue, reflecting its status in the industry despite occasional incidents of crowd-related issues at events like the 2023 festival.

History

Origins and construction

In 1980, neurosurgeon Vincent Bryan II and his wife Carol acquired several hundred acres of land in , intending to establish a vineyard and winery named Champs de Brionne. The site's natural bowl-shaped topography, formed by ancient glacial floods from a breached ice dam approximately 50,000 years ago, provided an inherent acoustic and visual setting for potential outdoor gatherings. To promote the struggling winery amid challenging soil and climate conditions, the Bryans decided to host musical events as a draw for visitors. Construction of the initial venue began in the mid-1980s with rudimentary elements: Vincent Bryan used a to erect a basic wooden stage, while family members planted for terraced seating areas. The amphitheater, originally called Champs de Brionne Music Theater, opened to the public in with a capacity of about 3,000 attendees, featuring simple infrastructure suited for small-scale concerts tied to winery promotion. Early performances consisted of modest gatherings, leveraging the venue's scenic overlooks of the to enhance appeal.

Early operations and challenges

The Gorge Amphitheatre, originally known as Champs de Brionne Music Theatre, began operations in the early on the winery property of Vincent and Carol Bryan near . The venue featured a small wooden stage and sod terraces designed to leverage the site's natural acoustics, initially hosting modest music gatherings combined with wine tastings to promote the adjacent . The first event occurred in 1984 with the Wenatchee Brass Band, followed by early bookings such as and Toto, as the amphitheater expanded annually from a basic setup seating a few thousand. Capacity grew to over 15,000 by 1988, with Bob Dylan's August concert that year drawing 16,000 attendees and marking the venue's breakthrough in attracting large crowds. Subsequent early performances included in 1987, who departed prematurely citing inadequate conditions, and Sting in 1989, and Pearl Jam's debut show in October 1990. Operations remained family-managed, emphasizing the scenic canyon backdrop to draw visitors despite initial limitations in infrastructure. Early challenges centered on logistical strains from rapid growth and insufficient resources. Dylan's 1988 performance overwhelmed the venue with only 12 personnel, resulting in chaotic long lines and operational disarray. Traffic backups extended six miles to Interstate 90, disrupting local farmers and prompting complaints, while a near-riot and incident highlighted emerging safety risks. Poor wine production quality indirectly pressured the music operations to sustain the property, contributing to financial and promotional difficulties before the 1993 sale to MCA, which excluded the vineyards and renamed the site. These issues underscored the tensions between the venue's remote location, expanding attendance, and limited early-stage facilities.

Expansion under corporate ownership

MCA Concerts Northwest acquired the amphitheatre in December 1993, marking the transition to corporate ownership. Following the purchase, the company initiated improvements including construction projects and landscaping enhancements aimed at elevating the venue's appeal and functionality for larger audiences. These efforts built on the site's prior growth to approximately 19,000 capacity, focusing on upgrades to support intensified concert operations. The venue was subsequently purchased by Live Nation in 2006. Under Live Nation's management, capacity expanded further, reaching around 22,000 by 2014 and ultimately accommodating up to 27,000 patrons with combined seating and lawn areas. In 2014, following a adjustment in August 2013 that permitted development on adjacent land, Live Nation proposed additional expansions including enhanced camping facilities, improved traffic management, and potential increases in event frequency to address growing demand while mitigating local concerns over congestion. These initiatives contributed to the venue's evolution into a major regional economic driver, though implementation faced community pushback regarding environmental and logistical impacts. By 2025, Live Nation continued exploring upgrades such as permanent amenities and expanded camping options to sustain operational growth.

Venue Design and Features

Location and natural setting

The Gorge Amphitheatre is situated at 754 Silica Road NW in , within Grant County, approximately 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Quincy and about 150 miles (240 km) east of along Interstate 90. Positioned atop high cliffs overlooking the , the venue occupies a natural amphitheater formed by the river gorge, offering expansive views of the waterway and the arid shrub-steppe expanse of the Columbia Basin. The terrain features steep, rugged cliffs and rolling grassy hillsides adapted for lawn seating, with the site's acoustics and sightlines enhanced by the enclosing topography of the —massive flows from 17 to 6 million years ago that dominate the regional geology. This landscape was further sculpted by repeated cataclysmic outburst floods from during the Pleistocene epoch, contributing to the ' distinctive eroded channels and coulees nearby, while the venue's semi-arid environment supports sparse vegetation suited to the rain-shadow effects east of the .

Capacity, seating, and technical specifications

The Gorge Amphitheatre accommodates up to 27,000 guests, comprising reserved seating and expansive general admission areas that leverage the venue's natural hillside contours for visibility. The capacity has expanded since its opening through phased additions to seating infrastructure, enabling larger crowds while maintaining acoustic balance across the open-air layout. Seating includes tiered reserved sections closer to the stage for optimal sightlines and sound, transitioning to terraced lawn seating farther back, where attendees often use rented chairs measuring 27.6 inches wide by 27.6 inches deep by 30.5 inches tall to enhance comfort on the sloped terrain. Floor-level general admission areas provide standing room nearest the performance platform, subject to event-specific configurations. Technical specifications feature a large with constrained wing space, necessitating compact arrays such as systems powered by amplifiers to deliver coverage without excessive overhang. Audio reinforcement incorporates delay towers to compensate for the venue's vast scale, ensuring consistent sound propagation to distant positions despite open-air variables like wind. and production rigs are engineered for high-fidelity illumination across the expansive footprint, supporting diverse concert demands from the natural amphitheater acoustics augmented by modern amplification.

Ownership and Management

Acquisition history

The Gorge Amphitheatre was originally developed by neurosurgeon Dr. Vincent Bryan II and his wife Carol Bryan, who purchased several hundred acres of land near , in 1980 initially for a vineyard project that evolved into the Cave B Estate Winery adjacent to the site. The couple constructed the initial amphitheater, named Champs de Brionne Music Theatre after their winery, which opened in 1986 with a capacity of about 3,000 spectators. In 1993, the Bryans sold the amphitheatre—excluding the surrounding vineyards—to MCA Concerts, which renamed it the Gorge Amphitheatre and expanded its operations to host larger rock and music events. This acquisition marked the venue's transition from a family-operated site tied to local winery interests to a commercially managed concert facility under a major entertainment conglomerate. MCA retained ownership until 2006, when the venue was acquired by Live Nation Entertainment, the global concert promoter that has since managed expansions, bookings, and operations. The Bryan family continues to operate the nearby Cave B Estate Winery independently of the amphitheatre's concert activities.

Current operations and policies

The Gorge Amphitheatre is operated by Live Nation Entertainment, which manages daily venue functions including event booking, ticketing, and on-site logistics as part of its broader network of amphitheaters. The venue hosts approximately 20-25 major concerts and multi-day festivals annually during the summer season from May to October, leveraging its 20,000-plus capacity to accommodate reserved seating for 6,000 patrons and general admission lawn areas. Operations emphasize mobile ticketing and cashless transactions for concessions and parking, with all entry requiring digital verification via the Live Nation app or compatible platforms. Venue policies enforce strict entry protocols, including mandatory searches of persons and vehicles upon arrival to detect prohibited items such as weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, glass containers, aerosol sunscreens, and drones. Bag restrictions limit access to small clutches or wristlets no larger than 6"x9", or clear plastic bags no exceeding 12"x12"x6", with non-compliant items subject to confiscation or denial of entry. For the 2025 season, personal lawn chairs are banned inside the amphitheater, requiring patrons to rent venue-provided seating for lawn areas to standardize sightlines and reduce clutter. Camping operations support multi-day events with designated on-site areas accommodating thousands of vehicles and tents, subject to quiet hours from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. to minimize noise disturbances, enforced through patrols and potential ejection for violations including amplified sound systems. Amplified audio devices are prohibited in zones, with repeat offenders facing removal. Accessibility policies include reserved ADA parking, wheelchair-accessible pathways, viewing platforms, and companion seating, available upon advance ticket purchase, alongside accommodations compliant with federal guidelines. Health measures, aligned with Live Nation standards, promote hand sanitation and discourage attendance by those ill, though no venue-specific mandates like masking were in effect as of the 2025 season. requires pre-purchase or on-site in designated lots, with expectations of heavy congestion prompting recommendations for early arrival up to four hours prior to gates opening.

Events and Performances

Notable individual concerts

headlined a concert on September 5, 1993, supported by and , attracting a sold-out crowd of 19,000 spectators. The performance, part of 's tour with Booker T. & the M.G.'s, is remembered for its collaboration between the established rock artist and the rising band , contributing to the venue's early reputation for high-profile rock bills. Radiohead delivered a full on June 23, 2001, during the third leg of their /Amnesiac Tour, with opening act . The setlist emphasized tracks from , , and Amnesiac, including "," "," and "Karma Police," noted for its hypnotic execution and Thom Yorke's vocal range amid a striking light show. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, members of Led Zeppelin, performed an 18-song set in 1998, featuring classics such as "Ramble On," "Whole Lotta Love," and "Going to California," followed by two encores. The reunion-style show highlighted their enduring chemistry and power as rock legends at the outdoor venue. Brandi Carlile held a solo concert on June 11, 2022, as the kickoff to her Beyond These Silent Days Tour, drawing approximately 15,000 attendees. The performance included covers like David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and guests such as Sarah McLachlan, underscoring Carlile's regional ties and vocal prowess against the Columbia River backdrop.

Annual festivals and series

The operated annually from 2002 to 2018, typically spanning weekend with a multi-day lineup of rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic artists across several stages. Founded as a single-day event headlined by acts like , it expanded into a major draw, hosting performers such as , , and , and accommodating up to 20,000 daily attendees amid the venue's scenic backdrop. The festival concluded after its 2018 edition, with founder Adam Zacks citing a desire to pursue new ventures. The Watershed Festival serves as the primary ongoing annual event, a three-day gathering held in early August since 2013, produced by Live Nation and featuring headliners like , , and on multiple stages. It emphasizes an integrated experience, drawing over 15,000 attendees per day who utilize on-site RV and tent accommodations overlooking the . The 2025 edition is set for August 1-3, continuing the tradition of high-capacity, genre-focused programming. Additional recurring series include electronic and bass music festivals such as (June dates, focusing on EDM with artists from Insomniac's roster) and Bass Canyon (late summer, specializing in dubstep and heavy bass genres), which have appeared annually in recent years alongside the venue's concert schedule. These events leverage the amphitheater's 27,500 capacity and natural acoustics, often incorporating pre-parties and extended camping options.

Facilities and Logistics

Camping and on-site accommodations

The Gorge Amphitheatre offers diverse on-site accommodations tailored for multi-day concert events, including standard tent sites, RV areas, and premium setups, with capacities limited to six occupants per site across most options. Sites are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis upon arrival, requiring all campers to present valid concert tickets for entry and prohibiting re-entry on opening or closing days. Check-out occurs at 10:00 a.m. following the event's final day. Standard tent camping spaces measure approximately 15 feet by 25 feet and provide access to communal showers, handwash stations, and portable restrooms, with quiet hours enforced strictly from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. RV camping sites, typically 20 feet by 35 feet, accommodate vehicles alongside optional tents and share similar amenities, while specialized areas like The Terraces limit occupancy to six and include shuttle access to the venue. Premium terrace camping features enhanced facilities such as flush toilets, dedicated showers, picnic tables, shade structures, and phone charging stations for added convenience. Glamping options, including pre-erected tents and upgraded sites like , start at higher rates—such as around $300 per night—and offer furnished accommodations with proximity to amenities, though all sites enforce vehicle size limits to prevent overflow into adjacent spaces, with additional fees applied for exceedances. Prohibited items include firearms, weapons, amplified sound systems beyond personal portable speakers, and large gatherings, with full searches conducted at entry to maintain . Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted for personal use, supporting self-sufficiency amid the remote setting.

Transportation, accessibility, and amenities

The Gorge Amphitheatre is accessible primarily by private vehicle, as no transportation services operate directly to the venue at 754 Silica Rd NW, Quincy, WA 98848. Attendees should anticipate significant traffic delays, particularly on Interstate 90 due to ongoing Vantage Bridge , which can extend travel times by up to four hours or more; early arrival is recommended, and GPS estimates may underestimate these impacts. admission parking is included with tickets and available at multiple gates (A through D), with upgrades such as Star Parking or Reserved Parking offered for closer access. Private shuttle services from nearby locations, including , Wenatchee, and Crescent Bar, provide round-trip options typically ranging from $65 to $70 per person, though availability varies by event. Accessibility features comply with ADA standards, including designated wheelchair seating available in various price ranges via online ticketing (marked with the ♿ symbol), which includes one companion seat but often sells out in advance, with limited day-of options. Accessible parking is provided at Gate B, requiring a valid state-issued placard with the vehicle owner present. A special services vehicle offers transport for wheelchair users and one companion from the main gate to the lower bowl drop-off point and between the campground and amphitheatre; post-event shuttles to the campground are also available with accessibility wristbands obtained on-site at Guest Services. Paved and accessible pathways connect parking, entrances, stages, vendors, and activity areas throughout the venue, accommodating mobility aids despite the hilly terrain. Amenities include multiple concession stands offering diverse food and beverage options, with menus detailed on the venue's site; the facility operates cashless, accepting debit/credit cards or converting cash to prepaid cards at designated booths. Restrooms are located per the venue map, with standard facilities supplemented by air-conditioned private options in VIP areas. Premium upgrades, such as Cliff House Club access or VIP box seating, provide exclusive benefits including private bars (21+), dedicated concessions, comfortable lounges, expedited entrances, and VIP parking passes. Additional conveniences encompass water refill stations, recycling bins, and onsite rental of lawn chairs, as personal chairs are prohibited.

Safety, Security, and Incidents

Security protocols and measures

The Gorge Amphitheatre employs private personnel for on-site measures, including uniformed and plainclothes officers who conduct patrols throughout the venue, campgrounds, and parking areas to enforce rules and maintain order. A zero-tolerance policy applies to illegal drugs and , with violations resulting in immediate and potential involvement of local . Firearms, weapons of any kind, and drones are strictly prohibited on persons, in vehicles, or at campsites, with dedicated 24-hour at RV areas to monitor compliance. Entry protocols involve full searches of persons and vehicles at campground and venue gates, managed exclusively by venue staff rather than local authorities like the Grant County Sheriff's Office, which focuses on external traffic and response rather than internal screenings. The bag policy restricts entrants to small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs no larger than 6" x 9", or clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no exceeding 12" x 6" x 12", aimed at facilitating efficient inspections and reducing concealed risks. Sealed vapes and cigarettes are permitted if compliant with size limits, while larger or opaque bags are not allowed inside the amphitheater. Additional measures include prohibitions on glass bottles, coolers, laser pointers, and professional cameras to minimize hazards and disruptions, with rule violations leading to ejection without refund. These protocols are standardized across events but may include event-specific enhancements, such as heightened visibility enforcement by the for traffic safety during festivals like .

Major incidents, lawsuits, and criticisms

On June 17, 2023, during the Beyond Wonderland festival, a shooting in the campgrounds near the venue resulted in the deaths of two attendees, Brandy Escamilla, aged 29, and Josilyn Ruiz, aged 26, with three others injured, including the suspected shooter Joshua Cole Waring, who was killed by Grant County sheriff's deputies. The incident prompted ongoing investigations into police response and venue security as of May 2025. Drug-related incidents have included multiple overdoses and deaths at . On July 5, 2013, attendee Paul J. Owsley, aged 21, died from an apparent (ecstasy) overdose during the performance, with organizers stating no major security enhancements were planned despite the event. Similarly, on June 28, 2015, a Portland man died from ecstasy-related causes at the Paradiso , ruled accidental by . Dozens of hospitalizations for drug intoxication and occurred at Paradiso events in 2015 and 2016. In 2014, Grant County cited the venue for violations of state health regulations due to inadequate wastewater management, including untreated sewage discharge that posed risks to and the environment; Live Nation missed deadlines to install proper pumps and meters but addressed the issues after notices. Lawsuits have centered on security lapses. In April 2024, families of the 2023 victims filed a wrongful death suit against Live Nation, alleging the company negligently failed to enforce bans on drugs and weapons despite prior incidents providing notice of such risks at the venue and campgrounds. A separate suit involving attendees Joe Louis Allen and Samir Poles, struck by rocks during a concert, claimed by Live Nation and the band for not foreseeing assaults; a Washington appeals court affirmed dismissal in September 2025, ruling the harm not reasonably foreseeable given the event's nature. In August 2025, a concertgoer sued Live Nation in federal court, alleging violent treatment by venue personnel. Criticisms of the venue focus on recurrent security shortcomings, including inadequate prevention of drug influx—evidenced by a July 2023 seizure of over $200,000 in psychedelics, , and other substances during shows—and weapons at high-risk festivals, contributing to a history of injuries, assaults, and fatalities without sufficient policy reforms. Reports also highlight campground thefts and entry delays exacerbating safety concerns, though enhanced searches were implemented post-2023 .

Economic and Community Impact

Contributions to local economy and tourism

The Gorge Amphitheatre serves as a major economic driver for , through direct employment, tax contributions, and substantial visitor expenditures. In 2023, the venue supported approximately 1,000 local jobs and generated $21 million in labor income, according to operator Live Nation. During peak seasons, it employs over 1,500 staff for events, bolstering seasonal workforce demands in an otherwise . Tax revenues from the amphitheatre further underscore its fiscal impact; Live Nation paid $1.5 million to Grant County in 2013, accumulating $5.3 million since 2009 and ranking among the county's top five taxpayers. A 2013 economic analysis reported that nearly 400,000 concert attendees spent about $56 million on tickets, concessions, merchandise, and camping, yielding $4.6 million in combined state and local taxes. These figures highlight the venue's role in funding public services and in George and surrounding communities. The amphitheatre enhances by attracting nearly 500,000 visitors annually from across the and abroad, many of whom extend stays to explore central Washington's landscapes, wineries, and . This influx represents up to 30% of Grant County's tourism promotion funding via related taxes, stimulating ancillary sectors like and retail while positioning the region as a destination beyond .

Community concerns and responses

Community members in , have raised concerns about during peak event periods at the Gorge Amphitheatre, which disrupts local access and daily routines. In September 2023, severe backups during a Lumineers led to fans missing performances and residents facing prolonged delays, prompting an apology from Grant County Sheriff Brandon Schirm for inadequate coordination. Safety issues, particularly at electronic dance music festivals, include violence, sexual assaults, drug overdoses, and weapons entering the site despite prohibitions. A June 2023 shooting at the Beyond Wonderland campground killed two attendees and injured three others, amid reports of inexperienced security staff, porous perimeter controls, and limited effectiveness of canine searches. Historical patterns show ongoing injuries and fatalities linked to drugs and alcohol, with concertgoers criticizing understaffing and lax enforcement of rules like checks. Local infrastructure and services face strain from visitor influxes, including jail overcrowding tied to event-related arrests and at full capacity, necessitating off-site hauling. Officials note the venue's economic contributions—such as $123 million in 2023 impacts and over 1,000 jobs—but emphasize the need to mitigate these burdens. In response, Live Nation has partnered with the Grant County Sheriff's Office for enhanced deployment, employed specialized medical teams like CrowdRX, and utilized K9 detection services, though critics question their adequacy. Post-2023 shooting, authorities increased on-site officers from multiple agencies to 20 for high-risk events. Organizers propose upgrades, including improved facilities and nearby developments, to address capacity issues while sustaining growth. County efforts include potential road projects funded by lodging taxes to ease traffic.

References

  1. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/gorge-amphitheatre/
  2. https://www.nwpb.org/nw-news/2024-06-18/a-year-after-two-people-died-in-a-shooting-at-the-gorge-amphitheatre-two-investigations-into-what-happened-at-the-beyond-wonderland-festival-are-still-ongoing
  3. https://liveforlivemusic.com/features/the-story-of-the-gorge-how-a-broken-dam-attempted-winery-created-the-gorgeous-amphitheatre/
  4. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20020804/gorge04m0/huge-concerts-take-root-in-unlikely-soil
  5. https://www.facebook.com/cavebestatewinery/videos/the-founding-of-the-gorge-amphitheatre/1123927078213330/
  6. https://blog.ticketmaster.com/venue-faq-gorge-amphitheatre-george-wa/
  7. https://www.historylink.org/file/21019
  8. https://kw3.com/gorge-amphitheater/
  9. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/jul/15/the-story-of-the-gorgeous-gorge-finally-hits-the-s/
  10. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19940623/1916960/changing-of-the-gorge----construction-landscaping-will-make-a-spectacular-concert-site-even-better
  11. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/aug/21/gorge-amphitheater-has-big-economic-impact/
  12. https://specialevents.livenation.com/venues/the-gorge-amphitheatre
  13. https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2014/09/live_nations_plans_to_expand_g.html
  14. https://www.columbian.com/news/2014/sep/28/owners-seek-to-grow-the-gorge-amphitheater/
  15. https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/live-nation-highlights-gorge-amphitheatre-s-expanding-role-in-grant-county-economy/article_bedcc6bd-861e-43d1-8b9b-ccf74b3834d3.html
  16. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/know-before-you-go
  17. https://soundroots.org/venue/the-gorge-amphitheatre-where-music-and-nature-converge/
  18. https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/gorge-amphitheatre/
  19. https://www.usgs.gov/publications/columbia-river-basalt-group-gorge-sea
  20. https://gorgefriends.org/wonders-of-the-columbia-gorge/
  21. https://opengeology.org/historicalgeology/case-studies/channeled-scablands/
  22. https://lewis-clark.org/sciences/geology/columbia-river-geology/columbia-river-basalts/
  23. https://www.seattlemet.com/arts-and-culture/2024/06/gorge-amphitheatre-concerts-sound-acoustics
  24. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/visit
  25. https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/gorge-amphitheatre-washington/
  26. https://www.svconline.com/markets/case-study-gorge-amphitheatre-wa
  27. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/the-tale-of-cave-b-winery-and-the-birth-of-the-gorge-amphitheatre/
  28. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/faq/
  29. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/gorge-amphitheatres-mystique-gets-heartfelt-tribute-in-new-film-enormous-the-gorge-story-screening-at-siff/
  30. https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEkk1A/gorge-amphitheatre-events
  31. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/safety-and-rules
  32. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/gorge-amphitheatre-rules/
  33. https://www.livenation.com/lnvh/
  34. https://pearljamconcertchronology.com/1993/
  35. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/neil-young-and-booker-t-and-the-mgs/1993/the-gorge-amphitheatre-george-wa-33d1b04d.html
  36. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pearl-jam-r-1993-gig-enormous-the-gorge-story-documentary-1188191/
  37. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/radiohead/2001/the-gorge-amphitheatre-george-wa-33d6ec21.html
  38. https://www.seattlepi.com/ae/music/article/This-year-s-lineup-at-The-Gorge-1054340.php
  39. https://www.guerrillacandy.com/2020/01/20/watch-radioheads-complete-2001-gorge-concert/
  40. https://americansongwriter.com/5-magical-concerts-live-from-the-gorge-amphitheater/
  41. https://www.dbaudio.com/global/en/applications/touring-and-festivals/watershed-festival-and-brandi-carlile-at-the-gorge-j-series-for-a-stunning-venue/
  42. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/events/brandi-carlile/
  43. https://jambands.com/news/2022/06/14/brandi-carlile-kicks-off-tour-with-sarah-mclachlan-celisse-and-lucius-at-the-gorge/
  44. https://emceenetwork.com/2018/07/12/sasquatch-obituary/
  45. https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/6/28/founder-adam-zacks-announces-departure-sasquatch-music-festival-festival-wont-return-2019/
  46. https://watershedfest.com/
  47. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/watershed-festival/
  48. https://www.musicfestivalwizard.com/venue/the-gorge/
  49. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/category/festivals/
  50. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/camping
  51. https://www.georgeamphitheatre.com/gorge-amphitheatre-camping/
  52. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/camping/tent-camping-options
  53. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/camping/rv-camping-options
  54. https://www.gmtoday.com/travel/tips-for-camping-at-the-gorge-amphitheatre-and-a-stress-free-concert-experience/article_d717d1e8-9ed4-469a-bef2-9a4bfda236ad.html
  55. https://www.yakimaherald.com/camping-at-the-gorge-this-summer-pack-these-5-tips-from-festival-veterans/article_0f612804-064a-11ee-8576-5b9057a06196.html
  56. https://www.wenatcheevalleyshuttle.com/gorge_concert_series
  57. https://www.gorgeshuttlesllc.com/
  58. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/accessibility
  59. https://pnw.beyondwonderland.com/guide/accessibility/
  60. https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/upgrades
  61. https://newstalk870.am/law-enforcement-security-increased-at-gorge-amphitheater/
  62. https://www.khq.com/news/washington-state-patrol-plans-special-visibility-measures-for-the-gorge-s-beyond-wonderland-concert/article_60b23e00-8ef6-4148-a73a-ea541797bca2.html
  63. https://news.yahoo.com/live-nation-faces-wrongful-death-230829850.html
  64. https://www.ncwlife.com/news/report-on-police-response-in-gorge-campground-shooting-forwarded-to-prosecutor/article_e9835f98-d8d7-4b80-a6a9-b2a37a43c897.html
  65. https://www.columbian.com/news/2013/jul/06/no-changes-despite-death-at-wash-concert-venue/
  66. https://komonews.com/news/local/coroner-death-at-gorge-concert-related-to-ecstasy-drug
  67. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jun/26/arrests-up-hospital-visits-down-at-paradiso-festiv/
  68. https://www.ijpr.org/2014-05-29/gorge-amphitheater-in-violation-of-state-health-regulations
  69. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/state-tells-the-gorge-to-clean-up-sewage-issues/
  70. https://www.ncwlife.com/news/lawsuit-names-gorge-amphitheatre-in-2023-shootings/article_4bf5b40c-f8f1-11ee-a215-5b66fb03ccec.html
  71. https://www.law360.com/articles/2385977/wash-appeals-court-won-t-revive-phish-concert-assault-suit
  72. https://www.law360.com/articles/2381298/live-nation-concertgoer-claims-violent-treatment-by-security
  73. https://cbs4local.com/news/nation-world/more-than-200k-worth-of-drugs-seized-during-dead-and-company-weekend-shows-at-washington-amphitheater-jerry-garcia-the-grateful-dead-john-mayer-bob-weir-cannabis-marijuana-edibles-cocaine-molly-psychedelics-mdma-thc-ketamine
  74. https://www.nwpb.org/nw-news/2023-06-30/is-it-safe-trouble-and-now-violence-mar-popular-gorge-concert-venue-and-campsite
  75. https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2014/aug/21/the-gorge-among-top-5-tax-payers-in-county-2/
  76. https://www.union-bulletin.com/archives/study-gorge-amphitheater-has-big-economic-impact/article_b85fbd67-0f25-5191-b31d-092ee5808125.html
  77. https://www.newsbreak.com/news/4242778203582-live-nation-highlights-gorge-amphitheatre-s-expanding-role-in-grant-county-economy
  78. https://www.krem.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/gorge-concert-postponements-could-hurt-grant-county/293-8eb63a70-f7e5-4393-90d1-e2d7c8ba7377
  79. https://premium.livenation.com/venue/gorge-amphitheatre
  80. https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/grant-county/grant-county-sheriff-issues-apology-after-heavy-traffic-at-gorge-amphitheatre-causes-headaches-for-fans-residents/293-0e900b6f-4c13-48e0-b08e-dd73f7cd8c44
  81. https://komonews.com/news/local/grant-county-increases-law-enforcement-presence-at-gorge-amphitheater-following-campground-shooting-sheriff-safety-concerns-fears-edm-beyondwonderland-safe-environment
  82. https://news.yahoo.com/road-projects-under-consideration-near-035900843.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.