Today Live Nation Mid-Atlantic Vice President Geoff Gordon and Vision Entertainment Group co-founder Jerry Deifer announced the opening acts for the Sands Bethlehem Events Center. At a press conference for the center, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan spoke, speaking of the economic stimulation and land reclamation that the Sands has helped contribute to the area.
Saying they’ve spent “a lot more money than we originally thought,” Sands officials said they also hope to bring in acts like Cirque de Soleil and comedians. The event center’s first concert will take place on May 16th with Incubus playing. Other concerts announced include Alan Jackson on May 19th, Flogging Molly on May 25th, Paul Anka on May 27th. Mr. Deifer teased two more acts being announced next week, the Beach Boys, who are doing a reunion tour complete with Brian Wilson, and Blink 182. Tickets for the shows announced today will go on sale at the Sands box office located inside the Sands Mall on February 17th.
Following the short press conference was a tour of the facility, which is still under construction. The venue touts a 3,500 person standing room only capacity and a capacity of 2,250 concert-goers for seated capacity. The venue will also have seven luxury suites situated 22 feet above the concert floor, complete with a wet bar, catering, bottle service, a private bathroom, a personal waitress, and TVs. Officials said that Sands, Service Electric, and Bennett Automotive Group have picked up sponsorship on three of the seven suites so far. There will be no balcony seating or standing in the venue.
Outside of the concert venue will be a 12,500 sq ft capacity upscale night club. The club will feature a VIP balcony for those in the concert suites to enjoy after the concerts. Mr. Deifer said that the vibe in the night club will adapt to whatever concert is in the venue that evening (we’re interested to see what it’s like on country nights and after the Flogging Molly show). Deifer said that world-renowned DJs, like Tiesto, will also grace the club through a booking partnership with the Vision Entertainment Group and Live Nation. Deifer said the bar will have a cover charge on the weekends.
Mayor John Callahan at the Sands Event Center press conference
Live Nation VP Geoff Gordon at the press conference
Mayor John Callahan and Jerry Deifer of the Vision Entertainment Group prior to a construction tour
The bottom floor of what will become the Vision bar
Bottom floor of the Sands Event Center where concerts will be held
A view from the bottom floor of the suites
A view from the suites
Where the VIP balcony will just outside the suites in the Vision nightclub
A view from above of what will be the Vision bar