For Riverside’s newest venue, the concert is only part of the draw. At Morton Amphitheater, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and stay late in an atmosphere where the experience goes beyond who’s on stage.
The venue’s grand opening is the first day of June, with a community preview night featuring the band Summer Breeze. Two nights later, Kesha kicks off the official concert season. “The excitement gives me goosebumps,” says Tim Burris, general manager of Morton Amphitheater. “The City of Riverside and Mayor Kathy Rose and her team have been so supportive.”
The venue was designed with the full evening in mind. Before visitors even reach their seats, they’re surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds with open green spaces, picnic tables, lounge chairs and food and beverage options encouraging them to come early and hang out before the show.
“It almost opens up to another venue,” Burris says. “There’s so much space to hang out in and places to eat. You can come have a drink or two and a meal and make this your night out instead of stopping anywhere else.”…