Live concerts return to the Hampton Coliseum

HAMPTON, Virginia – It’s been over a year without them, but now the Hampton Coliseum has been bringing back concerts since the pandemic.

“I’m excited. I’m ready to go. I’m vaccinated. I’m ready to go and ready to have a good time,” said Ernie Holberton, a concert attendee.

Ernie Holberton is a huge Sevendust fan and says it has been over a year since he went to concert.

“It’s a way to release energy. It’s like therapy for me. I need it. I wanted to go out and do something. I was locked up for a year and ten. months and I want to let go and destroy this place, ”Holberton said.

People who attend the show say they are excited to see live music again.

“My last gig was right before everything went down and stopped before social distancing and everything,” said Anthony Barker, a concert attendee.

“Everything I couldn’t do in my 40s is now happening tonight,” said Josh Cummings, a concert attendee.

The manager of the Hampton Coliseum said a thousand tickets have been sold for the show.

“It’s great. All the staff have come back excited to do business again. We all have a passion for performing so they are excited to be working again,” said Terri Vander Vennet, manager of the Hampton Coliseum.

The Colosseum has modules for families and groups who want to distance themselves socially and for those who want the full experience, there is a general admission section.

“We’re taking out the pods and if people still aren’t comfortable being side by side, they have room,” Vander Vennet said.

She says more tour directors have contacted the colosseum since Governor Northam lifted COVID restrictions.

“Every weekend from now until June has one or two takes for different shows. Everyone is excited to be back on touring,” said Vander Vennet.

The director of the Hampton Coliseum said it was the first concert of a few scheduled for this year.