Alpine Valley Music Theatre Info
Nestled in the gorgeous greenery of East Troy, Wisconsin, Alpine Valley Music Theatre established itself long ago as one of the state’s premier venues for live music. Boasting a 37,000 person capacity, rolling lawns, a stunning wooden roof and a roster that has included some of the biggest names in the U.S., it’s no wonder the site found itself at number 6 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The Best Amphitheaters in America”.
The seasonal, outdoor entertainment centre has all the facilities to enhance the ease and enjoyment of the concert-goers experience, including a paved plaza that allows vendors to sell food/drinks and merchandise, a first aid building, a box office and merchandise stand, as well as four main entry gates and a service gate. It also has 13 Party or “Beer” Decks and the Expo Party Deck, which is available as an upgrade and features a private deck space with private rest rooms, and a cash bar with several varieties of domestic and crafts beers to choose from, for guests that provide a valid state ID.
Alpine Valley Music Theatre is also deeply entrenched in the history of America’s concert scene. Most music fans will have heard the story of the tragic, untimely death of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughn, whose helicopter crashed into the neighbouring Alpine Valley Ski Resort after a show at the Music Theatre with Eric Clapton in 1990. However, it was The Grateful Dead that really put this venue on the map, with masses of “Dead Heads” congregating and celebrating at numerous sold-out shows. It was also here that Pearl Jam chose to celebrate their 20th anniversary with a mighty two-day festival, and, according to Andy Cirzan, vice president of concerts for Chicago’s Jam Productions, Rage Against the Machine “turned 35,000 fans into a surging, amoeba-like entity that moved and grooved in flowing waves like nothing I had ever seen before.”
Because of its location, it is an equal distance between key locations such as Chicago, Madison, Rockford, and Milwaukee. Since it was first built, it has become a key location in the area for a range of important events.
Today, it is operated by Live Nation, promoting some of the largest music events in the country. Architecturally, the venue is comprised of a stunning wooden roof that covers 7,500 seats in a pavilion. The rest of its capacity is hosted on a rolling lawn.
Over the course of time, many legendary artists have played at the music theater, including the Grateful Dead, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and many more. It has also hosted a range of music festivals, including Ozzfest, PJ20 Festival, Lollapalooza, and Monsters of Rock.
History of Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Since it was first opened in 1977, Alpine Valley Music Theatre has become a beacon of live music in the Wisconsin area, offering a blend of natural beauty and legendary performances. Let’s delve into some of its history to understand the importance of this venue.
Early years
Alpine Valley opened its doors in 1977, quickly establishing itself as an important location for outdoor events. The theater’s stunning natural setting in East Troy, Wisconsin placed it at a prime location, connected to large towns and cities. Its location quickly attracted top artists and their loyal followings.
Iconic performances
Across the decades, Alpine Valley has hosted a long list of iconic artists. Some of the most notable events include performances from The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, and Pearl Jam. These artists helped to cement the venue as a must-visit spot for those who love live music.
Challenges and renovations
Like many venues across the world, Alpine Valley faced some challenges, including the need for updates and renovations. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the theater underwent significant upgrades to improve its facilities and enhance the experience of its events for attendees. It is now a competitive venue, appealing to modern audiences with cutting-edge technology and amenities.
The modern era
Today, Alpine Valley Music Theatre remains one of the most important music locations in the country. With its scenic views and state-of-the-art technology, it has remained a standout destination for important music festivals and concerts.
Now operated by Live Nation, the venue continues to commit to excellence, placing Alpine Valley as a cherished landmark in the world of music and promising unforgettable nights for all those who buy tickets to see a performance there.