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iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre facts for kids

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iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 2015
Entrance to the venue (c.2015)
Full name iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Former names Coral Sky Amphitheatre (1996–2000; 2002–03; 2015, 2017–2020)
Mars Music Amphitheatre (2000–02)
Sound Advice Amphitheatre (2003–08)
Cruzan Amphitheatre (2008–15)
Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre (2015–17)
Address 601-7 Sansburys Way
West Palm Beach, FL 33411-3660
Location South Florida Fairgrounds
Owner South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc.
Operator Live Nation
Capacity 20,000
Construction
Opened April 26, 1996 (1996-04-26)
Construction cost $10 million
($19.2 million in 2022 dollars )

The iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre is a big outdoor music place in West Palm Beach, Florida. It can hold about 20,000 people! About 8,000 seats are covered, and another 12,000 people can sit on the lawn. This modern amphitheatre is mostly used for awesome concerts and other fun shows. Sometimes, for certain concerts like heavy metal shows, the backstage area becomes the main stage!

History of the Amphitheatre

The iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre first opened its doors on April 26, 1996. It has had many different names over the years. In fact, it has changed its name more than any other amphitheatre in the United States!

Why the Name Changes?

When it first opened, it was called Coral Sky Amphitheatre. This name was chosen because the seats face west. This means people often get to see a beautiful, colorful sunset during shows!

In 2000, its name changed to Mars Music Amphitheatre. This was because a music store chain called Mars Music became a sponsor. But Mars Music later had financial problems. So, in 2002, the venue went back to being called Coral Sky Amphitheatre.

Then, in 2003, another company called Sound Advice became the new sponsor. The venue was renamed Sound Advice Amphitheatre. This name lasted until 2008.

In 2008, a new sponsorship deal with Cruzan Rum led to another name change. It became the Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Recent Name Changes

On February 11, 2015, the venue briefly went back to its original name, Coral Sky Amphitheatre. This happened while the owners looked for a new sponsor.

Later in 2015, Perfect Vodka became a sponsor. The venue was then called the Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

On August 4, 2017, it changed back to Coral Sky Amphitheatre again.

Finally, on January 16, 2020, the name changed to iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre. This was after a sponsorship deal with iTHINK Financial Credit Union.

Awesome Performances and Events

Because of Florida's warm weather, many big concert tours come to the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre. This means it can host concerts all year long!

Famous Concerts and Festivals

Many cool events and festivals have taken place here. Some of these include:

  • The Buzz Bake Sale
  • Lilith Fair
  • The Gigantour
  • Projekt Revolution
  • Ozzfest
  • The Mayhem Festival
  • The Vans Warped Tour

The venue also hosts Christ Fellowship's Easter services.

Memorable Shows

  • On November 2, 1996, the band Phish played a show here. A percussionist from the band Santana joined them for the whole concert! Parts of this show were later released as a DVD called Coral Sky.
  • The Spice Girls started the US part of their Spiceworld Tour here on June 15, 1998. This was just two weeks after Geri Halliwell had left the group.
  • Britney Spears performed to a sold-out crowd on her Oops!... I Did It Again World Tour on September 10, 2000.
  • On September 4, 2003, Tori Amos played her last concert of the Scarlet's Walk tour here. This show was filmed and released as a DVD called Welcome to Sunny Florida in May 2004.
  • The final Ozzfest tour date of 2004 was supposed to be here on September 4. However, the show was canceled because of Hurricane Frances.
  • On June 16, 2015, Lana Del Rey played her last concert of The Endless Summer Tour. She performed songs like "Honeymoon" and "Florida Kilos" for the very first time.
  • On May 20, 2017, the band Muse played here with 30 Seconds to Mars and Pvris.
  • On May 27, 2017, the band Train performed for their "Play that song" world tour. Natasha Bedingfield and O.A.R. also played that night.
  • Since 1996, the Dave Matthews Band has played at the amphitheatre over 30 times. They often play two-night shows almost every year since 2002.

See also

  • List of contemporary amphitheatres
  • Live Nation

External links

  • Official LiveNation Page: https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAEkvEA