Officials raise concerns about rule prohibiting patrons from bringing chairs while the venue charges $12 for rentals
By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
SIMPSONVILLE — Simpsonville City Council members are asking the operator of the city-owned amphitheater to reconsider a policy that prevents concertgoers from bringing their own chairs and requires those who need seating to rent one at the venue.
The policy at the CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park came under scrutiny during council’s Aug. 25 Committee of the Whole meeting. Council members said the rule creates an additional expense and may make concerts less accessible for older adults, people with disabilities and others who cannot comfortably stand for several hours.
One council member compared the policy to purchasing a ticket for an Atlanta Falcons game and then being told upon arrival that the seat would cost extra.
Concerns were also raised about patrons with health problems or mobility limitations who may be unable to stand throughout a two- or three-hour concert.
City administration told council that the policy had been discussed with representatives of the amphitheater’s operator. According to information presented during the meeting, the company cited security screening and crowd flow as its primary reasons for prohibiting patrons from bringing chairs into the venue.
Allowing outside chairs could require additional security screening. Patrons carrying chairs might have to be removed from the regular entrance line for a more extensive inspection, slowing the process of getting people into the amphitheater.
A council member suggested establishing separate entrance lines. Patrons bringing chairs could enter through a line with additional screening, while those without chairs could use a faster line.
Council was also told that chairs at the venue cost $12 to rent. Concerns were raised that the rental chairs are low to the ground and may be difficult for older patrons or people with mobility issues to use.
One council member said complaints had been received about both the rental charge and the comfort of the available chairs.
Without a rented chair, patrons at the outdoor venue may be left with the options of standing or sitting on the grass. Council members questioned whether those options adequately serve people of all ages and physical abilities.
Members also expressed concern that making concerts more difficult or expensive to attend could discourage patrons and potentially affect the venue’s economic success.
Although the city has hired an outside company to manage the amphitheater, council members said the city still has a responsibility to help guide decisions affecting residents and visitors.
Council did not vote on the seating policy during the meeting, and no immediate change was announced. Members requested continued discussions between the city administration and the venue operator.
The amphitheater discussion also included planned noise-monitoring equipment. City administration reported that permanent perimeter decibel readers have not yet been installed.
The equipment, estimated to cost between $10,000 and $12,000, is expected to be included in a larger capital-improvement plan for the facility. The city and the venue operator are working together on those proposed improvements.
