Maintenance crews hoisted video screens and speaker systems to their usual locations throughout DTE Energy Music Theatre as part of the final preparations to open the venue for the 2004 season.
This year’s season brings continued improvements and renovations to the venue for the concert goer.
Approximately $1 million was spent on this year’s improvements. Just a few of the changes included resurfacing the parking lots, new landscaping, renovating the first aid stand and regular painting throughout the venue.
‘It’s kind of like what people do at their own homes, only our’s is larger,? Jeff Corey, Palace Sports and Entertainment spokesperson, said. ‘It doesn’t sound significant, but at the end of the day, it’s $1 million. It adds up.?
In addition to the already-completed projects, the venue will also be expanding the Cabana concessions on the property’s East entrance to double its points of service and introduce new parking lot signage. Both projects are scheduled to begin mid-summer.
Maintenance staff member Leroy Holmes found the hardest element to deal with when preparing the theater was rust.
‘You gotta get everything cleaned up,? Holmes said of the responsibilities.
The annual maintenance is crucial for a successful concert season. Work begins in mid-April and swings into full gear two weeks before the venue’s official opening date.
‘You never think everything will be up and running,? Corey said.
The theater officially kicked off the season on May 20 with a headlining show from popular musical group Dashboard Confessional and on May 21 with a performance from Blink-182. The venue’s traditional opener, singer Eddie Money, will play on May 28.