MACON, Ga. — Macon's almost ready to rock. After two years of planning and construction, Macon-Bibb County's amphitheater is just days away from opening.
General Manager David Aiello says more than 6,000 people will be at Sunday's show with Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. His staff is getting ready, and he wants people coming out to the show to be prepared too.
"Crews here around-the-clock over the last two weeks, setting up tables, setting up furniture, putting pictures on the walls," Aiello said.
There are several questions he's trying to answer for future patrons, but two of them dominate.
"It's really cashless, lawn chairs. Those are the two big things. No coolers," he said.
Lawn chairs at the venue can't be more than nine inches from the ground. Some acts won't allow them, but that's noted on your ticket or event page.
"We will have what we call, 'reverse ATMs' on property," Aiello said.
In other words, you can put your cash into the machine, follow the on-screen steps, and out pops a prepaid card.
"People are paying with their smart phones. People are paying with, just in different ways. Less and less people are carrying cash," he said.
Aiello says food or drinks at the venue will run between $5 and $15, depending on the item. You'll have plenty of places to choose from.
"Sold out show, we could have up to 100 points of sale, which is really 100 different locations where you can go and buy certain things. That's really new for this market," Aiello said.
There's also no re-entry, so if you're leaving the venue, make sure you're planning to leave for the night.
Parking is free around most of the mall. Tailgating is not allowed because the mall will still be open.
Valet service starts two hours before showtime and costs $68 for Sunday's concert. Doors open an hour-and-a-half before the concert.
You can find the amphitheater's A to Z guide here for more answers to your questions.