The St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview is hosting Luke Bryan Thursday night for its first concert since Cardi B performed in September 2019.

Anyone in attendance can expect a concert experience like you’ve had before, now that all of the COVID-19 regulations are gone. About 10,000 fans are expected to crash Luke Bryan’s party.

What You Need To Know

  • There are no COVID-19 restrictions at the St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater

  • Only 10 concerts are happening at the venue this summer season, which will extend into October

  • Luke Bryan will take the stage Thursday night as the first concert back at the venue in 22 months

“This, again, I think is another symbolic event on Thursday on where we’ve come, how far we’ve come, and the fact that we’re back,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “We’re getting together, and we’re having large acts again. It’s important for our psyche.”

There are a few upgrades and changes at the Amphitheater.

The first noticeable change is the addition of orange barricades that funnel everyone in to a security checkpoint. The amphitheater has a clear bag policy this summer, and everyone will be wanded down as a precaution.

Concertgoers are encouraged to download mobile tickets, though there are a few paper tickets that rolled over from last year.

Inside the venue, there are two new VIP decks for fans. One brings about 50 seats and a drink cart to the left of the stage. The other is an amenity for anyone with tickets for the box seats. As for food, Bull and Bear and Toss and Fire are back if you get hungry. There will also be a few local food trucks on site.

After the concert, one of the most anticipated upgrades is the exit ramp from the orange lot to 690 East.

“This will help with getting out of the venue in a quicker manner,” said McMahon. “But we do just want to remind the public, anytime you are going to an event where there’s going to be 10,000 people, getting in and out of the venue — please give yourself time to get here. And please anticipate some time getting out of here, as well.”

Along the new that ramp is a pedestrian bridge to the Pink Lot. Drop-offs and pick-ups will happen there — whether a friend is bringing you or you hail an Uber or Lyft. It’s about a seven-minute walk from your car to the front gate, which is not any farther than some spots in the Orange Lot.

Only about 10 concerts are scheduled this summer because of COVID-19. The season does extend through October when Florida Georgia Line comes to town.