JAC makes changes to big event
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A bigger stage, separate entry gates for reserved and general admission ticket holders and "more robust" concessions are among the changes concertgoers will see for Y-Live 2023 featuring Kid Rock at Wean Foundation Park.
This is the fifth year for the outdoor concert that is the Mahoning Valley's biggest annual music event, but it is only its second year at the park located between the Covelli Centre and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre downtown. The first three years, Y-Live was staged at Youngstown State University's Stambaugh Stadium.
"We definitely learned how to make it easier and better this year," said Phoebe Breckenridge, director of marketing for JAC Management Group and JAC Live, which stages the event.
The entrance gate will be located at the same place as last year (west of the arena) but there will be separate lines for those in reserved seats and those in the general admission lawn area, Breckenridge said. There also will be better signage directing them to their seating areas.
"Both reserved and lawn will have access to their own separate concessions and restrooms to alleviate congestion," she said.
Last year, attendees waited in long lines for the concession stands, particularly at the back of the lawn seating.
Breckenridge described this year's concessions as "more robust," both with concessions handled by the Covelli Centre and more than 15 food trucks, but the bigger problem last year was an overwhelmed Wi-Fi system that slowed down the processing of purchases with debit cards / credit cards.
Concertgoers are being encouraged to use cash, but the wi-fi that will be available to vendors in the park had a massive upgrade in the last year, she said.
JAC also eliminated the VIP lawn area and moved the seating a little closer to the stage. The stage itself also will be larger.
"Kid Rock has a stage show that is world renowned," Breckenridge said. "We usually used the same stage as the Canfield Fair (which JAC also produces concerts for), but this one is bigger and more elaborate."
Same as last year, the stage will be flanked on both sides by the largest mobile video screens in North America.
Those screens will feature performances by three acts familiar to local audiences.
Since his 1990 debut, Kid Rock has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide, and his hits include "Picture," "All Summer Long," "Bawitdaba," "Only God Knows Why" and "So Hott." The Michigan native holds the state's attendance record by selling 150,000 tickets for a run of 10 consecutive sell-out shows.
He sold out the Covelli Centre in 2013, but Y-Live has more than three times the capacity of the indoor arena.
Brice also has headlined the Covelli Centre, as well as the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Packard Music Hall in recent years. Sometimes, he comes to the Mahoning Valley even when he doesn't have a gig. His wife is Poland native Sara Reeveley.
Buckcherry's history with JAC (and its original incarnation as Eric Ryan Productions) goes back even further. Buckcherry has played everywhere from The Cellar in Struthers and The Wedge in Austintown to Packard Music Hall in Warren and the Covelli Centre (including opening for Kid Rock in 2013).
Concertgoers who didn't purchase parking in advance are encouraged to park at YSU's Wick Avenue parking deck, and either walk to the venue or use the shuttle service that will be available 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
With road closures for the event and detours due to resurfacing projects on several downtown roads, the parking deck is the easiest option, Breckenridge said.
JAC also has partnered with Lyft and users only have to enter "Y-Live 2023" as a destination when booking transportation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Concertgoers are encouraged to transfer mobile tickets to an Apple Wallet or Android Passbook in advance to avoid congestion at the entrance gates. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted.
Will call tickets will be available at the Covelli Centre's Southwoods Health box office.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring cash to minimize wait times at concession stands and merchandise booths.
If you go …
WHAT: Y-Live featuring Kid Rock, Lee Brice and Buckcherry
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday with gates open at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wean Foundation Park, 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown
HOW MUCH: General admission lawn seating is $55 and reserved seats starts at $75.70. Tickets are available at the Covelli Centre's Southwoods Health box office and through Ticketmaster.
PARKING
All downtown parking requires passes purchased in advance.
Day-of-show parking is available at Youngstown State University's Wick Avenue parking deck. The deck will open at 4 p.m. Saturday, and parking is available for $10 (cash only). Concertgoers can walk from the parking deck (about .7 miles) or use the shuttle service that will be available from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
ROAD CLOSURES
East Front Street will be closed Saturday between South Avenue and South Walnut Street on Saturday for the event.
Both the South Avenue and Market Street bridges will close about 6:30 p.m. before the concert starts.
There also are numerous road closures downtown due to current resurfacing projects, including portions of West Federal Street, Rayen Avenue and Commerce Street.
WHAT'S ALLOWED / WHAT'S NOT
Only clear and see-through bags no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches and clutches no larger than 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches by 1 inch will be permitted inside the gates. Exceptions may be made for medical bags or diaper bags.
Chairs for seating on the lawn must have a seat no higher than 16 inches off the ground and a back no higher than 36 inches.
The bags for beach / outdoor chairs are not permitted, nor are plastic, wooden or folding chairs.
Other prohibited items include: briefcases, backpacks, winch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases, wallet chains, tents / canopies, umbrellas, professional cameras, coolers, seat cushions, strollers, laser pointers, weapons of any kind, all nonservice animals, recording devices, laptops, GoPros and food and beverages of any kind.