Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Information
The Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, located in Freedom Hill park is one of Michigan’s most popular outdoor venue’s to visit. With 120 acre grounds surrounding, it’s a perfect choice to hold festivals and showcase the biggest names on it’s stage!
This amphitheater has all of the latest technology to provide nothing but the highest quality of sound, lighting and visuals after a refurbish back in 2012. So this mean that fans can focus more on the concert experience without distraction. And with a semi circle seating arrangement, you won’t miss a moment!
The history of the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre began back in 1991. Back then, it was called the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre.
Groundbreaking for the venue began in 1990. The Shelby Township acquired 246 land acres intending to open up a new outdoor complex for entertainment. The construction initially cost around nine million dollars and included a seating capacity of 15,000, though there was room left for possible expansion.
The seating comprised 8,000 seats on the lawn and 7,000 seats that could be reserved underneath the pavilion roof.
The venue opened on July 24th, 1991. The first performances at the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre came from two highly respected and established artists – The Four Tops and The Beach Boys.
The Four Tops are a quartet formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1953. They were instrumental in the growth of international recognition for the infamous Motown Records.
The Beach Boys were formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. They became highly influential in the American 1950s rock era, known for their ingenuity, harmonies, and unconventional methods of recording.
Having two global musical groups appear at the opening of a venue is a surefire way to attract attention, and that’s exactly what happened at the opening of the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre. The venue was packed to the brim with around 8,000 in attendance.
The theater would go on to host even more established figures, such as Elton John. It remained the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre for 25 years until the venue went through some significant changes.
Renovations and rebranding
In 2016, the venue became the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre after it was acquired by the Michigan Lottery. When the establishment acquired the amphitheater, it not only rebranded but also renovated extensively. These renovations cost around six million dollars.
The capacity for the venue was expanded to 25,000, with the lawn area now accommodating 3,400 guests and reserved seating expanding to 4,100 seats.
Amenities were improved to give visitors a better experience, such as expanded concessions, on-site bars, and restaurants.
Some other upgrades included more comfortable reserved seating and luxury improvements, such as club boxes, 12 private suites, and a new area called the Black Card Lounge.
The performance area was also improved. A much larger sixty-foot stage was added, as were HD video screens, a whole new sound system, and a fully upgraded lighting system.
Performers were now able to put on more dynamic shows with the upgrades, as new equipment was installed for quick stage assembly. This made it possible for the venue to attract even more business and bring in more star power. It now holds around 30 event days every year.
When it comes to the kind of entertainment put on at the venue now, musicians from Tim McGraw to Nine Inch Nails have performed since the renovations.
Comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart have performed their routines there, while significant festivals – such as the Michigan Balloonfest – have been held at the venue. Family shows such as Disney on Ice have also made appearances at the amphitheater since the renovations.
Concessions
There are plenty of options located within the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre that provide a range of food and drink and are available to be purchased. Here is what you will find in the venue and what they have to offer:
Beer Garden
Offers a range of craft beers.
Beer Haus
Offers a range of craft beers.
Bud Light Lime-A-Rita Stand
Offers Aquafina water, Bud Light Ritas, Pic-A-Nut snacks, and options for packaged Budweiser beer,
Celani Wine Bar
Offers bottled Aquafina water, Celani family vineyards wine selections, mixed drinks, packaged Budweiser beers, and specialty drinks.
East Plaza Concourse
Offers bottled Aquafina water, beer, Celani family vineyards wine selections, hot hogs with fixings, nachos with cheese, mixed drinks, Mr. Pita Wraps, Pic-A-nut snacks, Pepsi soda products, and Winter’s sausage with fixings.
Jack Daniels Portable
Offers Aquafina water and mixed drinks.
West Plaza Concourse
For food, the West Plaza Concourse offers cheeseburgers, hamburgers, French fries, hot dogs with fixings, hot pretzels, Little Caesars Pizza, nachos with cheese, Mr. Pita Wraps and Winter’s sausage with fixings.
For drinks, the location offers Aquafina water, Blake’s Hard Cider, Celani family vineyards wine selections, domesticated and imported craft beer, draft beer, mixed drinks, and Pepsi products.