The upcoming rooftop rock concert is changing its location to accommodate a bigger crowd.
On Saturday, May 23 Prince George will feature the first of its kind for Canada – A Drive-In Concert Experience. It's now set to be held on the roof of CN Centre at Exhibition Park but was previously planned for the rooftop of Prince George’s Canadian Tire. Event organizers have made the decision of a location change to accommodate a greater than anticipated interest and to enhance physical distancing procedures.
“We are super excited for this Saturday’s event and apparently so are a heck of a lot more people than we originally anticipated," says
Event Producer Kyle Sampson.
"When we started planning this thing, we figured we would see a couple hundred cars in the parking lot at best, but what we are now realizing is that we could see significantly more than that – so we need to be adequately prepared.”
Sampson says by moving to Exhibition Park, they are provided with a much, much bigger lot, which can accommodate more than double the original number of vehicles, all while maintaining greater physical distancing between cars. Selen Alpay of Canadian Tire, however, is still on-board as a partner in the event.
“Although we were extremely excited to host this event on our rooftop, when it comes down to it, it’s not about us, it is about providing the best and most innovative event we can for the people of Prince George. Kyle and I looked at all options over the weekend and given the tremendous public response we’ve seen so far; we saw no other choice but to move to bigger location," says Alpay.
Vehicles will be parked in a checker-board type pattern leaving every other space empty. The row behind each vehicle will be staggered from the one in front, providing patrons with the best view possible of Studio 720, who will be playing from the roof of CN Centre. Despite enhanced spacing, patrons will still be required to stay in their vehicle and must follow all laws and health orders that are in place.
The event is being offered free of charge but, organizers are asking patrons and at-home viewers to open their wallets and give within their means to the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North is a cycling team that raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. Donations are accepted online.
The evening is set to feature some of Prince George’s finest in local music. Studio 720, a local hard rock band, will be headlining and playing a variety of classic covers, mixed with a number of originals. The band recently launched their newest LP titled “Smokes, Let’s Go” which is available now on all streaming platforms.
For those who are unable to attend the event in person at Exhibition Park, a Live Stream will be offered online.
