Boosting North Fulton Tourism: An Inside Look at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, with Trevor Ralph, Live Nation Entertainment (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 97)
In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, talks with Trevor Ralph, Vice President of Operations at Live Nation Entertainment. They discuss the significant impact of the concert entertainment industry on North Fulton’s tourism, specifically focusing on the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Trevor shares his career journey, the amphitheatre’s growth and success, and its role as a community hub. He also discusses the economic impact, marketing strategies, and upcoming shows. Additionally, they touch on the venue’s community contributions, including hosting high school graduations and supporting local booster groups.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.
Trevor Ralph, Live Nation Entertainment
Trevor Ralph has been active in the concert business since 1998.
He started his live event career with regional Ohio promoter Belkin Productions as Senior Director of Marketing and Operations, where he opened the Tower City Amphitheatre and ran several large festivals. He spent time in Northern California with Bill Graham Presents, managing the amphitheaters in Sacramento (Wheatland) and Concord, as well as promoting shows throughout the west.
In 2008, Trevor moved to Atlanta to open Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (formerly Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park) as Chief Operating Officer of ASO Presents, a division of the Woodruff Arts Center.
In 2016, Live Nation entered a long-term lease to operate Ameris Bank Amphitheatre and Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, and Trevor rejoined the Live Nation team as Vice President of Operations for Live Nation Atlanta.
Trevor has two children, Sophie, 22, and Colin, 20.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a premier outdoor concert venue that boasts a capacity of up to 12,500 guests. Opened in 2008, it was originally known as the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre before being renamed in 2019. The amphitheatre is nestled within a picturesque 45-acre woodland setting, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and state-of-the-art technology.
The amphitheatre features a distinctive fan-shaped roof made from a translucent material, allowing for an immersive experience while protecting attendees from the elements. The venue’s design integrates the surrounding greenery, enhancing the acoustic experience and creating a serene atmosphere for live performances.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is renowned for its exceptional sound quality, supported by a sophisticated audio system that includes over 100 finely tuned speakers. This ensures that every performance resonates clearly, regardless of where attendees are seated.
The venue offers a diverse range of food and beverage options, from local favorites to gourmet selections, enhancing the overall concert experience. Food trucks and a full-service restaurant cater to various tastes, making each event a culinary adventure.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre has become a cornerstone of the North Fulton cultural scene, hosting a wide array of performances from top-tier artists across genres, including rock, country, and pop.
The amphitheatre is strategically located within the Atlanta metropolitan area, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. It plays a vital role in nurturing local talent and supporting the arts, contributing to the vibrancy of the community.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to GNFCC 400 Insider
00:57 Meet Trevor Ralph: From Record Store to Live Nation
01:47 The Birth and Growth of Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
03:46 Impact of Ameris Bank Amphitheatre on Local Tourism
06:06 The Post-COVID Concert Landscape
13:01 Marketing Strategies and Audience Engagement
16:02 Community Engagement and Support
18:56 Live Nation’s Regional and National Presence
22:27 Upcoming Events and Future Plans
24:31 Conclusion and Contact Information
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider
The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.
As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.
GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.
For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.
