First Avenue has its eye on a site on the Mississippi River near downtown Minneapolis for an 8,000- to 10,000-capacity concert venue, but that project is still in the talking stages. Over the years, entrepreneurs - from presenters such as the Minnesota Orchestra to promoters such as Randy Levy - have hatched detailed plans for a permanent amphitheater in the Twin Cities, but they got derailed for one reason or another such as traffic issues and environmental concerns. And don’t overlook the underutilized Hilde Performance Center in Plymouth, which has a permanent band shell but no permanent toilets and seats in its attractive, expansive lawn. Don’t forget about the Minnesota State Fair with 11 shows including Nickelback and Stevie Nicks at the 13,000-capacity grandstand and a dozen performances by the likes of George Clinton and Tanya Tucker at the Bandshell, which accommodates perhaps 6,000-plus. There are well established outdoor festivals like Rock the Garden at Walker Art Center (capacity about 10,000) and the Basilica Block Party (capacity 15,000) now in its 23rd year at the Basilica of St. There are about 30 shows this summer at the 1,500-seat amphitheater at the Minnesota Zoo, now celebrating its 25th season. “Get outside while the getting’s good in Minnesota in the summer,” said Johnny Mackin, director of brand marketing for Mystic Lake Casino. You’d think a metro area that can build three impressive stadiums for sports and concerts could erect at least one amphitheater for music shows by household names.

In Minnesota, we’re talking portable toilets, inadequate concessions and chairs worthy of an assembly in a high school gym (unless you opt to sit on a blanket on the lawn).

Erect a stage in a grassy field, set up some chairs, present a big-name act under the spotlights and, yes, people will come.īut going to the amphitheaters at Mystic Lake or Treasure Island isn’t like going to Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance (formerly Marcus) Amphitheater or Chicago’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre. Let’s be honest: Despite many popular attractions onstage, these amphitheaters are as temporary as Katy Perry’s hairdo. Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake has once again put up an outdoor stage and chairs, making room for 8,000 people to see Lionel Richie, Santana and Blink-182. This summer, Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing assembled an ambitious schedule with nine outdoor concerts, featuring the likes of Willie Nelson, Adam Sandler and Journey, which drew 14,000 people on July 1. Or do we? We have two major facsimiles and whether they’re reasonable or not, that’s debatable. Hey, Twin Cities, welcome to the Big Leagues of Concerts.

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