THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 1996 TAG: 9609100002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
The other night I visited the Virginia Beach Amphitheater for the first time, and as I approached the main entrance, I saw a sign over the gate stating, ``For the safety and comfort of all patrons, the following articles are not allowed in the facility: lawn chairs, cameras, umbrellas, audio and video equipment and alcoholic beverages.'' For the safety and comfort of whom?
To my surprise there were concession stands set up for the rental of lawn chairs, binoculars and umbrellas. You couldn't bring these articles on the premises; however, it seems OK for Cellar Door Productions to rent these items.
If anybody has been to the amphitheater for a concert, then you already know that the price for a ticket is around $15 for the grassy area and $30-$40 for the seating area. Add on the extras, and it gets very expensive.
I fail to see the logic in these rules of no-outside items. If a person really wanted to hurt someone in the amphitheater, then they would just use the rented items. Where's the ``safety and comfort'' in that?
SHAWN CONSTINE
Virginia Beach, Sept. 4, 1996 by CNB