That thing we pretty much knew about since last year? It's been announced now.
Phish will return to FirstMerit Bank Pavillion on Northerly Island for three shows on July 18-20, just about one year to the day of their debut at the venue.
Once again, Phish will offer tickets both up front (GA/Reserved) and on the vast flat grass behind the barrier (GA/Lawn).
Now, I didn't think the venue quite passed the test last year (for that matter, neither did Phish). And it seems like I'm not alone. Earlier this year, the venue offered a statement that detailed planned improvements to the facility.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, Live Nation Chicago has been working diligently this winter with architectural firm Valerio Dewalt Train to apply information and feedback gathered during the 2013 season at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion. As a result of this work, we are pleased to announce key improvements to the stage and sight lines at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island for the 2014 season.
For larger-scale shows at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion, the height of the stage floor will be elevated to a level conducive to clearer sight lines from all areas of the venue. In addition, the floor level of the seats closest to the stage will also be permanently elevated, allowing fans close to the stage to still enjoy the show at a comfortable eye level.
This improvement plan emerged from rigorous data collection and analysis involving measurement of various elevations and vantage points throughout the venue. The resulting changes will cater to fans from the front of the stage to the back of the lawn, further enhancing the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion experience.
Of course, the venue will retain its spectacular skyline views and refreshing lakefront breezes.
Will this make a difference? We shall see. That last line about "refreshing lakefront breezes" is a bit laughable, especially for those of us who braved the three night run last year.
The only thing left to ask is why? Why return to a venue that received mixed reviews and is in such dire need of renovation in only its second season?
The bottom line is the bottom line. There was significant investment put into expanding this facility on behalf of LiveNation and the City of Chicago. Phish is truly one of the only artists that can fill it in it's expanded state, and simultaneously bring the tourist dollar from out of town visitors.
Frankly, I'm surprised to see a Michigan date on the tour docket as well, as starving the Midwest seemed to have a boost for ticket sales on last year's shows. Certainly much better than carpet bombing the area with Alpine / Deer Creek appearances did in 2012.
Need proof? As usual, I'll bust out the graphs. Here's graphical breakdown of attendance for summer 2012 and a list of the top two highest grossing runs of any artist in the summer of 2013.
A few things going one way or another could have tilted last year's Phish run from disappointment to pure bliss. Let's hope things (I'm looking at you…. weather) shape up a little better this year.
Despite everything, I'm willing to give it a try.
