The Wharf Amphitheater is an outdoor concert venue located in Orange Beach, Alabama. It is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway and can accommodate up to 10,000 people for concerts and other events. With its location on the water and state-of-the-art amenities, The Wharf Amphitheater has become a premier destination for world-class entertainment on the Gulf Coast. Determining the actual size and capacity of an amphitheater like The Wharf requires an examination of several key factors.
Seating Capacity
The total seating capacity of The Wharf Amphitheater is an important starting point for understanding the venue’s size. According to official sources, the amphitheater can accommodate up to 10,000 guests. This large capacity makes it one of the biggest outdoor concert venues in the region.
The amphitheater features reserved seating sections as well as general admission lawn seating. The specific breakdown of seating sections and capacity is as follows:
Section | Seating Type | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Lower Level | Reserved Seats | 2,500 seats |
Club Level | Reserved Seats | 1,500 seats |
Upper Level | Reserved Seats | 2,500 seats |
Lawn | General Admission | 3,500 capacity |
Luxury Suites | Leased Private Suites | 70 suite capacity |
With tiered reserved seating for over 6,500 guests and open lawn space for 3,500 more, The Wharf Amphitheater can comfortably accommodate crowds of up to 10,000 for the biggest names in music and entertainment. The luxury suites also allow small groups to enjoy premium experiences at the venue.
Physical Size and Dimensions
In addition to seating capacity, the physical size and dimensions of The Wharf Amphitheater also contribute to understanding its scale. The amphitheater occupies a prime plot of land along the Intracoastal Waterway, with an open-air stage facing out towards the water.
Some key measurements for the amphitheater are:
– Stage width: 60 feet
– Stage depth: 40 feet
– Stage height: 5 feet
– Seating section dimensions: 130 feet x 220 feet
– Lawn section dimensions: 240 feet x 300 feet
With a stage large enough to accommodate full touring productions and seating/lawn areas totaling over 100,000 square feet, The Wharf Amphitheater has a substantial physical presence along the waterfront. The tiered seating sections and open lawn area can hold thousands of fans, providing excellent views of the stage and water beyond.
Backstage and Amenities
In order to fully support major concerts and events, The Wharf Amphitheater contains state-of-the-art amenities and backstage facilities. These areas are key to creating a first-class venue experience.
Some notable backstage and amenity spaces include:
– 15,000 square foot backstage area with star dressing rooms and production offices
– 8,000 square foot side stage area for stage access
– 50,000 square feet of concessions plaza with food, beverage and merchandise sales
– Permanent restroom facilities throughout venue
– Onsite box office and will call areas
– 10 suite lounges with premium food and bar service
– 6 guest service stations for information and assistance
With roomy backstage space for performers and crews, expanded concession areas for guests, and dedicated service areas, The Wharf can smoothly handle crowds of up to 10,000 at its largest events.
Technical Capabilities
The Wharf Amphitheater is more than just a passive venue – it is an elite concert facility equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and production capabilities.
Some highlighted technical features include:
– Permanent professional grade sound system with capacity for 100,000 watts of power
– Arena-level lighting rig with hundreds of programmable LED lights and effects
– In-house video screens flanking the stage for live IMAG (image magnification)
– Advanced technical deck above seating with room for 24 followspot operators
– Onsite power stations providing over 4000 Amps of 3-phase power
– 10G fiber optic network backbone for video and data transmission
– 8x telescopic camera platforms for multi-angle filming and broadcasts
– Integrated truss structures for flying sound, lights, and staging
Sound System Specifications:
Component | Make/Model | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Line Array Speakers | JBL VTX A12 | 54 |
Subwoofers | JBL VTX S28 | 24 |
Front Fill Speakers | JBL AM7212 | 20 |
Delays | JBL AM7212 | 14 |
Amplifiers | Crown I-Tech 12000HD | 72 |
Mix Consoles | Digico SD10 | 2 |
This immense sound reinforcement system can deliver pristine audio across the entire venue with plenty of power and headroom. Advanced capabilities like multizone control and delays provide excellent coverage for every seat.
Usage Statistics and Records
Since opening in 2017, The Wharf Amphitheater has hosted a wide range of concerts, festivals, and community events. The versatile venue continues to attract major performing acts while also serving as a civic gathering space.
Some usage statistics and records for the amphitheater include:
– 130+ concerts and events hosted annually
– 1 million+ total attendees over 5 years
– 30+ concerts sold out
– Record attendance: 10,050 guests (Luke Bryan, 2018)
– 52 event days during peak summer season
– 850+ local school and community events hosted
– $5.2 million record ticket sales (Jimmy Buffett, 2022)
– $325 million total economic impact over 5 years
The Wharf Amphitheater has delivered tremendous economic value and continues growing in reputation as a world-class live music experience. With an enviable waterfront location and extensive capabilities, it’s poised to host large crowds and top artists for decades to come.
Comparable Facilities
To fully appreciate the scale and capabilities of The Wharf Amphitheater, it helps to examine other similarly sized outdoor venues across the country:
Daily’s Place Amphitheater (Jacksonville, FL)
– Seating capacity: 5,500
– Stage size: 40 x 24 feet
– Opened: 2017
– Notable performers: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Keith Urban, Brandi Carlile
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (Alpharetta, GA)
– Seating capacity: 12,000
– Stage size: 60 x 40 feet
– Opened: 2005
– Notable performers: Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Kenny Chesney
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre (Chula Vista, CA)
– Seating capacity: 20,000
– Stage size: 70 x 40 feet
– Opened: 1998
– Notable performers: Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton
Jiffy Lube Live (Bristow, VA)
– Seating capacity: 25,000
– Stage size: 70 x 50 feet
– Opened: 1995
– Notable performers: Jimmy Buffett, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts
In terms of capacity and major touring acts, The Wharf Amphitheater stands out as one of the premier open-air concert venues in the southern United States. With room for 10,000 fans and a spacious stage, it can accommodate full arena-scale productions.
Future Expansions
While already a large-scale facility, The Wharf Amphitheater continues improving its offerings. Currently planned or proposed expansions include:
– VIP club level seating – Adding 500 premium reserved seats with exclusive amenities
– Suite expansions – Building 10 new private suites
– Backstage catering facilities – Expanded kitchen and dining areas
– Secondary staging pontoon – Allows for side stage or angular performances
– Perimeter LED screens – Large displays visible from outside venue
– Outdoor barbecue plaza – Added exterior concessions area and seating
As The Wharf Amphitheater evolves, a focus on premier experiences and guest comfort will lead to an even higher-caliber venue capable of attracting the biggest names in entertainment.
Conclusion
With a capacity of over 10,000 guests, a spacious stage and viewing areas, elite technical capabilities, and scenic waterfront location, The Wharf Amphitheater stands as one of the top outdoor live music venues in the country. Since opening in 2017, the amphitheater has established itself as a premier Gulf Coast destination for concerts, festivals, and community events. While already a world-class facility, planned expansions will only improve the offerings and solidify The Wharf Amphitheater as a bucket list venue for fans and performers alike. Its combination of size, amenities, location and reputation cements its status as a top-tier amphitheater.