It’s no secret that theaters and performance venues are considered premier attractions in most neighborhoods. After all, theaters aren’t just entertainment venues—they are also artistic hubs that contribute to a city’s cultural richness. The historic PNC Bank Arts Center is one such place.
One of Holmdel’s most prominent attractions, the PNC Bank Arts Center is a cultural landmark that’s considered synonymous with live music and entertainment in The Garden State. Continue reading as we lay out everything you need to know about the PNC Bank Arts Center—including its history and upcoming events to look forward to.
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THE PNC BANK ARTS CENTER: AN OVERVIEW
The PNC Bank Arts Center’s story began in the late 1960s, when it was envisioned as a space dedicated to artistic expression. Designed by noted modernist architect Edward Durell Stone, the amphitheater is best known for its centerpiece: a 200-foot, saucer-like roof supported by eight massive concrete pillars. At the time, it was known as the Garden State Arts Center, which opened its doors to the public in 1968. Its sprawling lawn and tiered seating offered an intimate yet expansive environment for audiences to connect with performers.
Initially, programming for the Arts Center focused mostly on classical music with celebrated American pianist Van Cliburn and the Philadelphia Orchestra being the center’s headliners during its opening. Over time, however, the Arts Center’s focus shifted towards a wider range of popular acts, solidifying its place as a premier venue for concerts and festivals.
At the same time the center’s philosophy was changing, the PNC Bank purchased naming rights to the center. In 1998, the facility was officially renamed as PNC Bank Arts Center. This move was met with criticism, so much so that the state of New Jersey pulled out state money from PNC Bank accounts and had them transferred.
The PNC Bank Arts Center today
Today, the PNC Bank Arts Center is renowned as one of the best amphitheaters not only in the Garden State, but in the entire country as well. The center features several impressive facilities, these include the following:
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Pavilion – The venue’s crowning glory, the flexible Pavilion features a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, making it perfect for any type of live entertainment. It can seat up to 6,800 people, with each seat providing an excellent view of the venue’s stage.
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The Lawn: The PNC Bank Arts Center’s spacious lawn offers endless possibilities for planning the perfect outdoor event. Accommodating up to 10,000 guests and close-up views of the stage, this versatile space offers a relaxed and social atmosphere for those who prefer to spread out a blanket and enjoy the show under the open sky.
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Parking: Convenience and comfort are always at the top of mind for the PNC Bank Arts Center, with the venue offering a massive parking area for visitors that can hold up to 8,000 cars. Moreover, this space can also be converted and used for various events such as ride-and-drive experiences and drive-in concerts, making it a unique addition to Holmdel, NJ.
What are the events and performances held at PNC Bank Arts Center?
Over the years, the PNC Bank Arts Center has become a cultural touchstone in the region, with many considering the Center to be a premier venue for outdoor concerts, as well as other types of live entertainment.
Some of the events and shows hosted by the PNC Bank Arts Center include:
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Concerts: The PNC Bank Arts Center has an extensive history of hosting major concerts, with the venue catering to a diverse range of musical tastes, from legendary rock acts like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Tom Petty, as well as more modern rock performers such as Sting, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, and Radiohead.Country artists have also taken to the stage at the PNC Bank Arts Center, with Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Garth Brooks all known to have performed as headliners in the past. Several pop acts have also made their home at the PNC Bank Arts Center, including the likes of Beyonce, Kesha, Alanis Morissette, and Kelly Clarkson.
In addition to standalone shows, the PNC Bank Arts Center also counts music festivals among its offerings. The popular touring festival Outlaw Music has brought together country music icons like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, while festivals like Levitate have showcased alternative rock acts like The Cure and The Black Keys.
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Comedy shows: Aside from music shows, the PNC Bank Arts Center also hosts comedy acts featuring well-known stand-up comedians such as Bill Burr, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart, all three of which are known to leave their audiences in stitches.
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Magic of Lights: The PNC Bank Arts Center hosts an annual drive-thru holiday light show called Magic of Lights. Dazzling LED displays and digital animations turn the center’s grounds into a winter wonderland featuring classic holiday scenes and characters. The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes and is enjoyed in the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. Tickets to this event are priced per carload and can be purchased online at a discount.
In addition to these events, the PNC Bank Arts Center is also available for private events such as corporate parties, private concerts, and even weddings, making it an integral part of the Holmdel, NJ cultural landscape.
What is the PNC Bank Arts Center’s impact on the community?
The PNC Bank Arts Center is not only a major performance venue, but also a vibrant cultural hub, fostering a strong bond between the arts and the larger Holmdel community.
Currently, the PNC Bank Arts Center serves as a hub for artistic expression, cultural appreciation, and community spirit, thanks to a diverse lineup of community engagement initiatives and volunteer opportunities by organizations like The Garden State Arts Foundation:
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The Senior Concert Series: An initiative by The Garden State Arts Foundation, the PNC Bank Arts Center’s Senior Concert Series is an annual series of shows presented free of charge by the GSA Foundation for New Jersey’s senior citizens and residents with special needs.Some of the performers tapped for this program in recent years include Crystal Gayle, Bobby Rydell, Rita Moreno, Charo, Bobby Vinton, Frankie Avalon, and Tony Orlando. Do note that ticketed pavilion seats are only guaranteed for seniors on the GSA Foundation’s ticket mailing list.
Those who don’t have a ticket may enter the theater at 1 pm on the day of their desired show, but will not be guaranteed a seat and must come prepared with a lawn chair and sunblock. Ticket requests for seniors can be sent here.
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GSA Foundation Volunteer Programs: Interested residents may also sign up for the GSA Foundation’s volunteer programs, which will see them assisting at events that take place at the PNC Bank Arts Center.According to the GSA Foundation, volunteers typically help out by manning turnstiles at performances, distributing program books, processing ticket orders for performances, and completing Garden State Arts Foundation mailings and other clerical duties.
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PNC Arts Alive: A multi-million dollar funding initiative of The PNC Foundation, PNC Arts Alive is designed to support visual and performing arts organizations and make the arts accessible to all audiences. While not this program is not a PNC Bank Arts Center initiative in the strictest sense, PNC Arts Alive plays an important role in helping invigorate local arts organizations in Holmdel and other neighborhoods in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE PNC BANK ARTS CENTER
As mentioned earlier, the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, offers an exciting lineup of concerts year after year, making it a significant cultural attraction for residents and visitors alike.
Music enthusiasts, for instance, can expect a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, country, and classical concerts featuring both legendary artists and contemporary chart-toppers, thus removing the need to travel to major cities just to enjoy easy access to world-class entertainment.
Do note that concert lineups and event schedules can sometimes change at the last minute, with new additions often announced throughout the season. Because of this, prospective residents must make a habit of regularly checking the official PNC Bank Arts Center website for the most up-to-date information on upcoming shows, ticket sales, and any potential lineup changes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- How do people score tickets to PNC Bank Arts Center events? Tickets to PNC Bank Arts Center events can be purchased through the venue’s official website, which is managed by Live Nation. You may also check out tickets at Ticketmaster. Be sure to check the official website for the latest show schedules and pricing information.
- When is the best time to visit the PNC Bank Arts Center? The majority of PNC Bank Arts Center events occur during the summer months, with concerts and festivals taking place from June to September. To get the most out of your visit, arrive early to avoid traffic and explore the venue’s amenities, which include on-site drink concessions stands and merchandise booths at the North and South Plazas.
- Are there physical tickets? The PNC Bank Arts Center is a mobile entry-only venue. This means you will have to download your tickets to your phone on the Live Nation app before you can enter the theater.
- Does the PNC Bank Arts Center accept cashless payments? Yes. The PNC Bank Arts Center is a cash-free venue. If you arrive without a debit or credit card, you can simply head over to an information booth and they’ll exchange your cash for a prepaid debit card for free.
- Is tailgating allowed at the PNC Bank Arts Center Yes. Tailgating is allowed at the parking space before the show. Visitors, however, are only allowed to take up one spot and must stay mindful of their neighbors. Once the gates open, all visitors will be asked to head inside the venue.
JUST ONE OF THE ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN HOLMDEL
The live events at the PNC Bank Arts Center is just one of the lifestyle perks you can look forward to when you make Holmdel, NJ your home. Living here, you’ll be a short drive away from an incredible line-up of concerts and shows every year.
Let’s explore your real estate options in and around Holmdel, NJ! I’m Mario Venancio, a local real estate agent with over 30 years of experience leading buyers and investors to their dream properties in Monmouth County.
Come and see what Holmdel real estate has to offer. Call me at 732.881.4306 or send me an email here so we can start chatting about your homebuying goals in Holmdel and the rest of Monmouth County.