The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT is an outdoor concert venue that opened in 2010. With a capacity of approximately 5,000 people, the amphitheater aims to provide an intimate outdoor concert experience for fans. A common question asked about the venue is whether all the seats are covered or if some areas are exposed to the elements.
Layout and Capacity of Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater features a sloping lawn area as well as reserved seating. The lawn area can accommodate approximately 3,500 concertgoers who bring their own chairs or blankets. There are no structures covering the lawn area, so these seats are uncovered.
The reserved seating section features 1,500 chairback seats under a roofed pavilion structure. This covered pavilion provides shade and protection from rain to those seated in the reserved seats. The pavilion has an open back facing the lawn area.
In total, the venue’s maximum capacity is approximately 5,000 people. Of those seats, 1,500 are covered reserved seats under the pavilion, while 3,500 are uncovered lawn seats.
Covered Reserved Seating Area
The covered reserved seating area under the pavilion roof contains 1,500 chairback seats in elevated rows. This section provides shade, protection from rain and wind, and an improved view of the stage compared to the uncovered lawn area.
The roof above the reserved seating section is made of metal and slopes down towards the back. It is supported by columns spaced throughout the pavilion. The covering allows concertgoers in reserved seats to enjoy the show without having to deal with harsh sun or unexpected rainfall.
Uncovered Lawn Seating Area
The uncovered lawn area is located behind the covered reserved pavilion seats. This spacious section fits approximately 3,500 people sitting on blankets or in portable chairs. The lawn provides sprawling room for concertgoers to set up for the show.
Since there are no structures covering the lawn area, these seats are exposed to the open air. Concertgoers on the lawn will need to come prepared with sunscreen, hats, ponchos, and umbrellas if rain is anticipated. The uncovered lawn seats do not provide shade or protection from the elements.
Weather Policy for Uncovered Lawn Seats
Since the 3,500 lawn seats are uncovered, the amphitheater does have policies in place for inclement weather during a show. These policies aim to keep concertgoers safe while still maximizing enjoyment of the performance.
Rain
If light rain begins during a performance, the show will continue as planned. Concertgoers on the lawn should have rain ponchos and umbrellas handy to stay dry if a light rain passes through. If heavy rain begins, lawn patrons will be allowed to move under the reserved pavilion on a standing room basis until the rain lets up.
Thunderstorms
If a thunderstorm occurs during a performance, the show will be temporarily halted. All concertgoers will be asked to evacuate the lawn and pavilion areas and seek shelter in their vehicles until the storm passes. The show will resume 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder is detected in the area. If thunderstorms persist, the show may be postponed or cancelled.
Excessive Heat
On extremely hot days, the amphitheater will provide free bottled water to concertgoers on the uncovered lawn. Patrons can also exit the venue to cool off as needed. Lawn seats will also open earlier to allow more time out of the sun. The show will proceed as planned unless heat worsens, at which time accommodations will be made.
High Winds
If there are high winds on a show day, umbrellas and canopies will be prohibited in the lawn area. If winds exceed 25 mph sustained, lawn seating may be evacuated for safety. The show could be delayed until winds subside.
Types of Events Hosted
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater hosts a variety of music and entertainment events during its summer concert season. These include:
- Concerts – Rock, pop, country, R&B, and more
- Music Festivals – Multi-act shows
- Comedy Shows – Standup comedy performances
- Community Events – City festivals and gatherings
The mix of events means the uncovered lawn seats get used frequently during the venue’s busy season. Patrons need to prepare for spending several hours in the open air elements when attending any show in the lawn section.
Ticketing Information for Uncovered Lawn Seats
Tickets to shows at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater go on sale through Ticketmaster. Patrons can choose between the uncovered lawn seats or the covered reserved pavilion when selecting tickets.
Lawn Seating
The uncovered lawn seats are general admission. Prices are typically the lowest of any tickets. Lawn tickets allow access to the spacious grass area to set up chairs or blankets. Admission is first-come, first-served within the lawn.
Reserved Pavilion Seating
Reserved seating is assigned chairback seats under the pavilion roof. These tickets cost more than general admission lawn seats. Reserve tickets guarantee concertgoers a fixed numbered seat protected from sun and rain.
When purchasing pavilion seats, closer rows typically cost more. Center sections near the stage are also more expensive than outer side sections.
Comparing Lawn vs. Pavilion Tickets
| Ticket Type | Price | Seat Location | Covered? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn Seating | Lowest | General admission on grass | No |
| Pavilion Seating | Highest | Reserved chairback seats | Yes |
This comparison shows the key tradeoffs between the uncovered lawn seats and covered reserved pavilion. Lawn tickets provide the cheapest way to enjoy a show, though require preparation for weather conditions. Pavilion seats cost more but include protection from the elements.
Conclusion
At Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT, only the 1,500 reserved pavilion seats are covered by a roof. The 3,500 lawn seats located behind the pavilion are uncovered and exposed to the open air.
Concertgoers in the lawn area need to come prepared with sunscreen, ponchos, umbrellas and other provisions to manage sun, rain, heat and wind. The amphitheater does have weather policies in place to keep patrons safe in severe conditions.
Those wanting a covered seat protected from the elements can choose reserved pavilion tickets, which cost more than general admission lawn seats. Comparing ticket options and prices allows concertgoers to select the right section based on their preferences and weather readiness.
With a capacity nearing 5,000, Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater provides an intimate outdoor concert setting. Understanding the layout and coverage of the venue’s seating helps music fans pick seats and have the best concert experience.
Concert venues with outdoor lawn seating are a staple of summertime entertainment. The uncovered seats provide space for thousands of music lovers to gather under the stars. While lacking covers, amphitheater lawn sections offer a one-of-a-kind atmosphere for fans to enjoy live shows.
Outdoor concert venues must grapple with unpredictable weather while trying to deliver spectacular shows. Uncovered lawn seating exposes patrons to the fickle elements but remains in high demand for its lively ambience. Strategic ticketing options, weather policies and audience advisories help amphitheaters maximize enjoyment and safety.
The open lawn seating epitomizes the carefree, easygoing vibe that draws people to outdoor summer concerts. Though requiring some weather vigilance, lively lawn sections foster irreplaceable communal joy across thousands of connected music lovers. Despite any extra preparation needed, the uncovered grass hills beckon fun-loving crowds ready for an outdoor adventure.
Amphitheater lawn seating has become iconic in live music culture. For many fans, packing picnic blankets and swaying on the grass has made lasting summer memories. Uncovered or not, lively lawns amplify the magic when thousands unite to bask in music outdoors.
Outdoor concerts build instinctive community unlike any other event. Live shows excite our primal souls when performed under night skies, cool breezes and canopy of stars. As famous amphitheater Grateful Dead sang, “The grass ain’t greener, the wine ain’t sweeter either side of the hill.” When unified in music, no lawn seating can contain a crowd’s spirit.