Goose Creek welcomes new amphitheater with Friday night concert

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – It’s a big night in Goose Creek as the city opens the new Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater with a concert.

A ribbon cutting will kick off the new venue, and the concert is slated for 7 p.m., featuring the 90s group Better Than Ezra, who will perform along with their opening act Tonic. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

“We are very excited,” said Frank Johnson, the city’s public information officer. “This is a transformative facility that many generations of Goose Creek residents will enjoy.”

The $4 million facility seats roughly 800 people inside the amphitheater with additional grassy areas where people can sit or stand to watch concerts.

The theater, called “The Daning,” is named after retired state representative and former longtime Goose Creek city councilman Joe Daning.

“We couldn’t think of anyone more worthy of putting his name on this than Joe Daning. For decades and decades, he has been a true public servant,” said Johnson.

Daning was also able to help the city get some money from Columbia to help pay for the amphitheater.

“For this particular project, he did secure some state funding, which was very crucial- about $1.5 million,” Johnson added.

So, what does this new facility mean to the city and its residents?

“This is something that will be here for many, many years. It’s a gathering place for the community. It gives us the ability to bring in national acts like tonight. But it’s also going to be a facility that the community can use,” he said.

Friday night’s concert is the first of three grand opening concerts planned for the next couple of months.

“We’re gonna be announcing the second show early next week, so watch our social media. Very excited about that one- people are going be real excited when they hear who it is. We’re excited about tonight: Tonic and Better Than Ezra. Tremendous acts, and it’s gonna be a fun night.”

WHAT TO KNOW

Tickets are free for the grand opening concerts, but you do have to sign up to get tickets. Friday night’s show is rain or shine, so bring chairs and ponchos or a rain jacket. Small umbrellas are allowed in the venue but must be closed during the show.

A portion us Highway 52 will be closed along with Old Moncks Corner Road and Montage for shuttles. The shuttles pickup from Central Creek Park starts at 5 p.m. and runs continuously until 10:30 p.m.

City leaders say only clear bags are permitted (12”x6”x12”), and you must have a ticket to enter.

• Tickets will be scanned at entry and can be on your phone or printed.
• Tickets are valid for one scan only, and re-entry is not allowed.
• This is a cashless event.
• 2 factory-sealed bottles of water are allowed per person
• Portable charges and small fans are okay
• No coolers or outside food/drinks
• No drones, professional cameras, or selfie sticks

There is also a rideshare lot at the Goose Creek Municipal Center, look for signage at the fountain roundabout.

The next show is being planned for October 5.