ATLANTA — The jam band Phish, known for its improvisational style and cult-like fan base, is bringing its act to Piedmont Park -- for two nights.
It has been 10 years since the Piedmont Park Conservancy held a massive concert at the park. It was the Eagles. Prior to that, Paul McCartney, and in 2007, their first -- Dave Matthews Band and the Allman Brothers.
Phish will take the stage at 7 p.m. on Aug. 1 and 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 in front of an expected crowd of 35,000 people.
While the park has held other huge events, including the famed Music Midtown, are they ready for the free-spirited crowd that is about to embark on this highly-populated residential area for two days?
Phish fans like to have a good time. That's no secret. They arrive hours ahead of the concerts to tailgate at venues across the country. Some, even traveling from show to show with them, selling items out of their vehicles - just to make enough money to get to the next stop. This is similar to bands like The Grateful Dead in the 70s and 80s..
"Piedmont Park Conservancy and Rival Entertainment will work closely with Atlanta Police and festival security advisors to ensure the event is not only safe, but also respectful of the neighboring community," they said in a statement to 11Alive.
They said that, like every big event at Piedmont Park, fans are encouraged to leave their cars at home.
Especially in this case. Known as the Conservancy's "Green Concert," organizers will focus on promoting sustainability, including the use of public transportation, recycling programs and reduction of waste.
“In conjunction with Rival Entertainment and our community partnerships to promote progressive environmental practices at events, we will be making further announcements around our planning efforts and how fans can participate,” said Mark Banta – President and CEO, Piedmont Park Conservancy.
They said gates will open 90 minutes ahead of the concert and fans will have a variety of activities to partake in, although, they are still in the planning stages. Organizers say that plans are underway to create an environmentally-forward event experience showcasing Atlanta’s local food, philanthropy and corporate community.
A ticket request period is currently underway at tickets.phish.com and will end on Monday, February 3 at noon. Green Concert 2020 tickets will go on sale February 7 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.
Piedmont Park Conservancy representatives said that they were "waiting for the perfect mix of a great production partner, like Rival Entertainment, and iconic talent, like Phish. When they came together, it was the impetus to hold the concert."
"Ten years is a long time without our own concert, but we are excited to bring it back and make it better than ever,” said Banta.
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