Fun-Filled February

What a week!  We kicked off the first full week in February with a bang bringing in not one, but TWO sold-out shows - Tool and George Strait w/ Martina McBride.  Thanks to everyone who came out to see us last week! 

If you weren't here, never fear, I can give you a little recap of what you missed (but don't miss out on anything in the future - we have lots going on, so make sure you're an INSIDER and getting all the VIP info). 

Tool is a unique bunch that puts on a GREAT show and has an extremely dedicated fan base.  We had a loud, excited crowd and the band didn't disappoint playing a number of their popular hits.  Check out Atlanta Music Scene HERE for some great photos from the show.   

Last Friday, we welcomed both George Strait and Martina McBride back to our venue for a star-studded performance.  Each proved why they are the King and Queen of Country Music delivering hit after hit to a delighted crowd of 12,000+.  I had seen Martina McBride before, but never George Strait.  I loved that they set up the stage in the round (right in the middle of the Arena).  Not many artists do that, and I thought it was a very cool set up.  Still trying to figure out how Martina managed to move all over that stage in 6-inch heels. In case you want to re-live the night, here are some photos to help you out:

Members of our team welcome George Strait with a custom leather guitar strap.

Members of our Marketing team welcome Martina McBride with custom wine courtesy of Chateau Elan.

Martina McBride

George Strait

All photos courtesy of Robb D. Cohen/www.RobbsPhotos.com

We are going to finish up February with two more BIG events:

Tommy Emmanuel

February 28th-29th

Plenty to do around here!  I am looking forward to the circus starting next week.  Fully Charged is going to be a great, high-energy show and I know you guys will LOVE it! 

All About Tonight w/ Blake Shelton!

Friday night was a busy one here at The Arena with reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Blake Shelton, in the house for a sold-out show.  For those of you who are big fans of Blake, you knew this was probably going to be one big party!  However, with this being only his second show since his father passed, I wasn't sure how difficult getting back on stage would be for him.  Well never fear, our Marketing team got the opportunity to greet him before the show, and I knew at that moment he was ready to give all of the fans in the crowd an awesome show...and that he did!

I've seen a lot of concerts (part of the territory when you work at a concert venue), and even a lot of really great concerts, but not many have the crowd and energy of the Well Lit & Amplified tour.  From the first notes of "Footloose," to the last notes of his current smash "God Gave Me You," the crowd sang along to every word and didn't bother with sitting down.

 Photo courtesy of Raven Nichols

 Photo courtesy of Raven Nichols

One thing that really struck me was how engaging Blake was with the crowd.  Many artists will talk and interact a little bit, but Blake seemed to get a big kick out of telling stories about everything from drinking, to his hit TV-show The Voice, to, well, drinking!

Speaking of The Voice, I would have never expected a Christina Aguilera impersonation from one of country music's golden boys, but he not only gave a spot on rendition of the pop queen, he threw in a little medley of his other Voice co-stars hit songs "Moves Like Jagger," and "Forget You."  I have since learned Blake is going to be teaming up with Cee Lo Green for a song.  Now THAT should be interesting!

Even though Blake has had a slew of hits since "Austin," that song is still my personal favorite.  I really enjoyed the acoustic part of the show where he included this song, and hearing the entire crowd drown out Blake's voice singing along.

I also have to take a moment to congratulate Blake.  Not only did he deliver an awesome, sold-out show here at The Arena, his single "God Gave Me You" earned Platinum status, while his "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton" and "Red River Blue" albums reached Gold certification.  Industry and label members presented these awards to him in a surprise ceremony at our show.  Way to go, Blake!!

Our Marketing team greets Blake & his promotion staff.

Photo courtesy of Raven Nichols

 
And, of course, we can't leave out his opening acts - Dia Frampton (from The Voice) and Justin Moore who did an excellent job of getting an already fun crowd riled up for Blake's performance.

 

Photo courtesy of Raven Nichols

Robb D. Cohen/ www.RobbsPhotos.com

Alright, Blake Shelton fans, I want to hear from you - what did you think about the show last Friday??

Happy (belated) New Year!

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to what is shaping up to be a fantastic 2012 here at The Arena at Gwinnett Center!  We've got some great shows coming up, and you do not want to miss out (trust me!).  Just check out this sneak preview of what's coming:


Blake Shelton - Well Lit and Amplified Tour
ft. Justin Moore & Dia Frampton
January 27th - BUY TICKETS

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present Fully Charged
February 23rd-26th
Group discounts available for groups of 10+
BUY TICKETS

The Original Harlem Globetrotters
March 18th
Group discounts available for groups of 10+
BUY TICKETS

SEC Women's Gymnastics Championships
March 23rd-25th

Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove
March 28th-April 1st
Group discounts available for groups of 10+
BUY TICKETS

NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships
April 20th-22nd
Ticket information available soon!
Group discounts available for groups of 10+

 

Lady Antebellum
ft. Darius Rucker
June 22nd - BUY TICKETS

Also, please note - if you bought tickets to the sold-out Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, it has been rescheduled.  The lead singer suffered a foot injury, and the original January 30th date has now been moved to April 10th.  Tickets will still be valid, and refunds are available through your point of purchase.

See?  I told you we have lots of awesome things going on around here, so there are no excuses for not coming out to see us at least once!  Not to mention, we've got some more great things in the works, so stay tuned.