The Orion Amphitheater is an outdoor facility that seats 8,000 people located in Huntsville. The amphitheater plans to have different shows all year long and is surrounded by Apollo Park, which will also be open all year long. They plan to have many places for food and drinks in both the park and amphitheater. The hope is to add another community-focused entertainment venue for the growing Huntsville community. 

The amphitheater plans to open May 13-15th, with a show called The First Waltz. Friday, May 13, 2022, will have a 7:00 PM show featuring Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Emmylou Harris, Waxahatchee, and John Paul White. Saturday, May 14, 2022, will have a 6:30 PM show featuring Brittany Howard, St. Paul & the Broken Bones, Mavis Staples, and Drive-by Truckers. Sunday, May, 15th will have a show at 2 PM featuring The Aeolians of Oakwood University, Deqn Sue & Kelvin Wooten, Translee, Huntsville Community Drum Line, Element XI, and The N.E.I.G.H.B.O.R.S.

Tickets went on sale in November. With options to see the Friday show, Saturday show, Sunday show, or buy a weekend pass to see all three shows. Sunday’s tickets are cheaper than the other shows. Prices of a ticket range from $18 to $1017 with a max of eight tickets per purchaser. 

Based on a survey, most students are excited with the thought of something more to do. Adam Tong, a senior, said, “Finally something other than wandering out in the sticks here.” However, junior Johnathan Yang said, “We already have VBC.” Many students didn’t know anyone performing. When asked about the opening show, freshman Marley Goree said, “I’m a little disappointed because I don’t listen to any of the performers.” 

With the amphitheater being outside and Alabama’s unpredictable weather there are some concerns about the rain. Sophomore Faith Williams said, “Some sort of rain plan would be good? I fear if a touring show gets rained out no one will see it.” According to The Orion Amphitheater website, they plan on a rain or shine policy. In case of severe weather, they plan on notifying people through email and their social media platforms.  

 This is certainly a different idea, but only time will tell if The Orion Amphitheater will be beneficial to the Huntsville area.