Plan Ahead For Your Gorge Experience
Attending a concert at The Gorge Amphitheater is a day-long event. Here are some tips, directions and suggestions to help you plan:
Tickets: General admission and reserved seating tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets at Rite-Aid stores or by calling (509) 735-0500. Special ticket packages are available through the Universal Concerts Marquee Club program, Gorge Boxsuites, Gorge Superseats and group sales: call (206) 223-1055.
Directions: From Spokane, take Interstate 90 west to exit 149 at George, Wash. Follow the amphitheater signs approximately 7 miles. The drive will take two to two-and-a-half hours and possibly more depending on traffic.
Attire: Be prepared for all kinds of weather. The Gorge Amphitheater is outdoors and therefore concert goers are subjected the whims of Mother Nature. Concerts are not canceled because of rain. While the summer months usually offer good weather, the beginning and end of the season can be unpredictable and the evening temps drop quickly. Bring clothes for both warm and cool weather. A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended for daytime, and a warm coat is good for nighttime. Rain gear is also a good idea. You’ll be glad you have it if it does pour. And remember, just because it’s sunny or rainy in Spokane doesn’t mean the weather will be the same at The Gorge.
Parking: There is plenty of on-site parking available at The Gorge and it is clearly marked. Employees are on hand to guide you to the correct location. After the concert is over, however, expect some delays in exiting the lot. It’s crowded and everyone is trying to leave at the same time. Also, Grant County Sheriff’s officials allow no parking on county roads or private property adjacent to the venue and the county ordinances strictly prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages in the parking lot.
Camping: Campgrounds are available and situated next to the amphitheater. Gorge officials suggest that campers buy passes ahead of time as the campgrounds have been known to fill up. To buy camping passes call Ticketmaster.
Hotels: For those wanting to spend the night in a more comfortable setting, call for Best Western Ticket Packages at (800) 235-4255. Also check with the Ephrata Chamber of Commerce, (509) 754-4656; the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, (509) 765-7888; the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, (509) 925-3137; or the George Info Center, (509) 785-3831.
Amenities: The Gorge Store has everything from sunblock to sunglasses and the all-important ATM machine. Showers are also available here.
Food and drink: A variety of food vendors are set up inside the amphitheater with pizza, sandwiches, etc. For those 21 and older, the Oasis Beer Garden offers beer, microbrews and wine.
More info: www.uniconcerts.com/gorgeamp/.