Cullman is expected to play host to a record crowd as an anticipated 60,000 attend the two-day Rock the South concert at Heritage Park.

Rock the South founder and Premier Productions owner Shane Quick said visitors from 40 states and six countries are expected to begin arriving tonight for the shows, which are Friday and Saturday.

“Just reviewing our ticket sales and the interest that comes with this year’s show, we’re looking at a 30 percent increase in attendance,” Quick said. “That’s 30,000 people a day. This is unprecedented times. This puts Rock the South and Cullman at the level with some elite festivals across the nation and in the world.”

Rock the South is adding a new feature with “glamping,” which is literally defined as luxurious camping. The area creates a concert-goers village at Heritage Park where those who purchased the feature can stay throughout the two-day event with many of the amenities of home. One option with glamping includes beds, the other has cots.

“We know as soon as we announce Rock the South the local hotel are booked in one to two days,” Quick said. “This is something that’s designed to help that and to give fans a new way to enjoy the performances. It’s definitely not your grandparents’ style of camping.”

With Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt headlining the shows, Quick said tickets began to sell rapidly following the announcements. Some general admission tickets remain at rockthesouth.com for $99. He also said some general admission tickets may be available at the gate when the park opens.

“We can’t guarantee tickets at the gate, but if any remain we will make them available. I would advise people to go online and get the tickets because the price will be better,” Quick said.

Rock the South was initially launched after the 2011 tornado outbreak struck Cullman County and much of the state. The event has grown each with last year’s crowd exceeding 46,000. Some of the money from Rock the South also benefits local programs and charities.

“This is exciting when you consider the growth of Rock the South,” Quick said. “One thing I love is the timing; it’s right here at the kickoff to summer and the kids are out of school. Some people go to the beach in the summer and others go to concerts. Cullman is one of the top destinations on the concert trail for the summer.”

With summer’s heat in mind, more pools are being added to the grounds, along with misters, to provide plenty of ways for people to cool down during the day. Plenty of food and beverages are also stocked throughout the concert.

 

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.