Here Are the Big Changes Coming to Bangor Waterfront Concert Venue

Bathrooms., lots of real bathrooms are part of the changes coming up for the concert season this summer along the Bangor Waterfront.

And that’s just the start.

If you have seen the construction from Main Street in Bangor and wonder what they are up to, read on.

First, let’s get this impressive fact out of the way.

When they open for the season with the first concert Thursday, June 23, there will be 267 permanent bathrooms all around the venue. And that’s great, but wait there is more.  Lots more.

If you have seen the building that is under construction behind the facility close to Main Street, that will be a combination of an entry point for the lawn seats, an artist merchandise booth, and oh yeah some bathrooms.

You might have also noticed a lot of dirt being moved and piled up, up, up behind where the lawn was in previous years.  The lawn will be a much different lawn. That earth being piled up is actually three stories high. The lawn will be pitched so you’ll see the stage clearly from any and every part of the lawn.

Here’s a photo taken last week that might help show the height.

The venue formerly known as Darling's Waterfront Pavilion is now called Maine Savings Amphitheater.  Darlings will still have a presence with a section inside.

There is more VIP experience in premium seating than in the past also. And all 10 corporate suites are sold out.

So new name, and lots more changes. I was fortunate enough to sit down with Waterfront Concerts and learn all about the numerous updates.

My takeaway overall.  This is going to be a much better venue, as it was last year compared to previous years, but that was just the beginning.  The experience will be better will all that is planned.

And with the sloped lawn, even the last row will see the stage and due to a new installation of delay towers the sound will be crystal clear. Plus 2 new video screens will be above the lawn.

And with more concessions and bathrooms, you’ll never have to leave.

The chairs in section 200 and 300 will be permanent seats, bolted into the ground. The ground will be concrete, instead of pea stone. So another improvement. And good news for those with an extra 10 pounds due to the pandemic, the seats will be wider.  With cup holders in front of you.

That was Dierks Bentley on the stage in Bangor in June of 2016.

This year it’ll be Thursday, June 23, with Ashley McBride and Travis Denning.  Don’t be late for this concert. And with the additional entrance near Main Street, plus the existing entrance it should be less time in line before getting in.

As we look forward to another summer of concerts, here is a look at your favorites to ever appear at the now Maine Savings Ampitheater.

And a look back to plans that were made a few years back.

Here is the line-up for 2022