HUNTSVILLE – The Rocket City is closer to the nation’s third coast down south – the white sand beaches of the gulf of Mexico – but it’s also geographically near enough to one of the two major seaboards to be included in a recent ranking.
Specifically, Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater has been named “Top East Coast Amphitheater” on Billboard’s 2024 Top Music Venues list – one of just 26 venues across the world to be highlighted.
“What an incredible honor to be included on this prestigious list of venues across the globe by such a longstanding and respected institution such as Billboard,” said Ryan Murphy, Orion’s manager director. “It is staggering to think about the amazing amphitheaters all across the East Coast and to be named the very best among these this year I take as a true testament to the incredible work that the team puts into the experience for the artists, crews and fans that visit.”
Orion Amphitheater, which borrows its name from the constellation of stars identified by second-century astrology Ptolemy, is highly acclaimed in just the two years since it opened. The honor comes in what can certainly be called a “triumphant 2023 season for The Orion,” as it proclaims in a news release.
The Orion ranked No. 33 on Pollstar’s Top 50 Worldwide Amphitheaters list and hosted 32 concerts and 83 community and cultural events last year, welcoming some of music’s biggest names such as Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile, Snoop Dogg, James Taylor, Phish, Billy Strings, Widespread Panic, Ja Rule and Ashanti, Turnpike Troubadours, and Weezer. With these shows, The Orion sold more than 187,800 tickets, with nearly half being sold outside the state.
For 2024, The Orion, which operates under tfg Hospitality’s umbrella, said it’s poised for “an even bigger year” as it plans to host more than 75 community-focused events and 40 concerts. The scheduled performers include a newly announced show from Neil Young and Crazy Horse (May 5) as well as Lainey Wilson, Styx and Foreigner and John Waite, Needtobreathe and Greta Van Fleet.
Full details can be found at www.theorionhuntsville.com.
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