This concert season marks 20 years that Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland has been operated by I.M.P., an independent concert promotion and production company that also operates The Anthem and 9:30 Club in DC. And if it’s been a while since you’ve last been to Merriweather Post Pavilion, you might not recognize the venue at first glance.
Over the last 20 years, $65 million has been invested in renovations at the historic venue, and those improvements have greatly benefited fans, artists, and the surrounding businesses. Some changes include raising the pavilion roof to book bigger acts on the stage, installing a rotating turntable stage, installing enough solar panels to power seven out of 10 shows with renewable energy, and doubling bathrooms and food and beverage access across the venue.
If you’re looking to attend Alanis Morissette, Third Eye Blind, or one of the other concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion, here are some of the additions of note.
Past the expanded food, drink, and merch stands, you’ll find the venue’s brand new beer garden. The communal spaces provide the perfect spot to enjoy your drinks and snacks before the concert starts. Nearby are more new restrooms and the new customer service kiosk.
On the third level is where concertgoers will find the first-ever SkyLawn. On both the left and right sides of the stage, two natural grassy hills give fans an overview of the stage. The elevated lawn seats are free to anyone attending the concert. The top level, 40 feet in the air, also features a retractable roof.
The second level of seating is full of VIP Box Suites — 30 to be exact. These suites provide the rockstar experience. With lounges, tables, and plenty of chairs, these boxes will provide a one-of-a-kind experience — and a clear view — when watching your favorite artist perform.
Follow the trail behind the lawn to find both a walking tour of Merriweather’s history and an intricate sculpture garden. The walking tour features a lineup of every year the venue has been open. Each decade is separated with a different aesthetic and pictures of some of the main artists from that time accompany each design.
The sculpture garden is full of creations by French sculptor Bernard Pras. Over the years, Pras has created original pieces of art for the venue, including statues of Robert Plant, Miles Davis, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson using scraps found at local Howard County landfills and thrift stores. This year, the sculptures of legendary music icons Tina Turner and Jimi Hendrix are new. Guests are encouraged to peek through the viewfinder to get the best look at the anamorphic creations.
You’ve probably never been to a concert venue with a pinball museum. With nine playable music-themed pinball machines, including the Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Elvis, you can kill some time before the main act hits the stage.
If there weren’t enough spaces to keep you entertained and hydrated, consider pulling up a seat at the 9:32 Club. The covered lounge will keep you cool during those hot and humid nights. Plus, the lounge has its own stage for additional performances held throughout the summer.
And while fans won’t be able to check out the backstage area, the hundreds of artists that do visit Merriweather will be able to enjoy the amenities in the 22,000-square-foot area. Behind the stage, artists have access to 10 dressing rooms equipped with lounges, TVs, snacks, and amazing views.
During the dog days of summer, the artists and crew no doubt greatly appreciate the in-ground heated, saltwater pool located just behind the indoor facility. In addition to the lounge chairs pictured, the outdoor spot includes tables and benches hidden away from the summer sun, as well as massage cabanas. 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland
Feature image by Michele Kettner
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