In a move that has drawn criticism from concertgoers on social media, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced that patrons to Live Nation shows will no longer be allowed to bring in outside chairs for lawn seating.
Instead, patrons of Live Nation shows will have to pay $15 if they want to sit on SPAC’s expansive lawn.
While anger has been directed towards SPAC for this new policy, it should be noted that this policy exists at all venues that partner with Live Nation, and the new chair rule only affects shows put on by Live Nation at SPAC.
Personal chairs will continue to be allowed for events produced by SPAC, such as Saratoga Jazz Festival, performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as the New York City Ballet.
While deterring chairs could assist shows that are among the most packed (e.g. FarmAid and Dead and Company) some shows in recent years have seen the pathway at the back of the lawn nearly disappear in a sea of chairs with fans shuffling through dimly lit rows.
$15 not only represents the rental fee, but roughly the cost to buy a personal chair one may wish to bring into the venue. For some, the Live Nation chairs are not preferable, and SPAC has a long history of allowing blankets, chairs and other items that aid in the enjoyment of events at SPAC without having to pay additional costs beyond the ticket price. For reference, the rental chairs are 27.6” wide X 27.6” deep X 30.5” tall, per Live Nation.
A pricetag of $15 is comparable to the price of a single alcoholic beverage sold at the concesssion stands at SPAC.
Fans on social media sounded off on the change:
“It’s over. Support local musicians and venues” said Dan Dearstyne, while Rose Brennan noted “Well, that is just unreasonable. If they cannot control ticket sales, they shouldn’t punish the patrons. Dumb decision, imho. Glad I saw Willie last year there.”
Others focused on Live Nation’s role, calling the ban on personal chairs a “money grab,” and “corporate greed,” citing the monopoly that Live Nation has on concert venues like SPAC. Tim Jeavons echoed many sentiments, saying, “In terms of greed, Live Nation makes Big Pharma look like a charity.”
Read the new rules for Live Nation shows at SPAC, as well as other events where outside chairs are still permitted.
Comments are closed.