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Bay Stage at Jones Beach opening in June

Jones Beach

Live Nation is planning to open the area’s largest general admission venue this summer as part of its Nikon at Jones Beach Theater complex, with Long Island’s own Taking Back Sunday set to christen the new stage.

The Bay Stage, named for its location on Zach’s Bay in Wantagh, will have a capacity of 5,000 and focus on big-name acts that prefer playing general admission shows and developing acts and package tours that are too big for New York ballrooms but not big enough for arenas, said Live Nation’s Christian McKnight, who is spearheading the stage’s launch.

“It’s the right place to play for certain bands – bands who have wanted to come, but haven’t been able to play Long Island,” said McKnight. “It will fill a void.”

The new venue, which is located on the other side of the concession area from the amphitheater, will operate on the amphitheater’s off days and feature lower ticket prices. Live Nation will start with six shows this season and, depending on the audience response, will expand further next year.” [Newsday]