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Check out the renovations at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP) in Columbia, MD is in the midst of a $55 million renovation. If you haven’t visited for awhile, you’re in for a treat. The renovations are geared to enhancing the fan experience and providing appealing amenities to the performers in order to attract top talent. MPP celebrated it’s 50th anniversary in 2017 so the facility was due for some upgrades.
The renovations are being coordinated by the nonprofit Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission, which took over ownership of Merriweather Post Pavilionin 2016. One of the first acts of the new leadership was to sign a new 40-year contract in 2017 with DC-headquartered I.M.P.to operate MPP. The Commission hopes to supplement the traditional rock concerts at MPP with other artistic and cultural activities.
Ian Kennedy, Executive Director of the Commission, recently gave me a tour of the renovation work in progress. Here are some pictures for a glimpse of the new Merriweather Post Pavilion.
(Click on any image to begin the slide show.)
MPP Box Office and West Entrance off of Merriweather Drive
The new Merriweather Post Pavilion (photo by Costello Construction Company)
The reconstructed MPP Roof, with a majority of the facing boards reused from the old roof. The higher roof allows the sound to be better directed towards the audience, thereby minimizing the noise levels outside the concert venue.
Reserved Pavilion Seating, with future elevator and Sky Boxes beyond the seating bowl. All Reserved Seating is under roof now, with retractable side sections.
Left-side Reserved Seating with floor of future Sky Boxes above. Note the new handicapped accessible seating.
Some of the Concession Stands and Rest Rooms
More Concession Stands
Second floor Club Level above the Concession Stands, stage left
More of the Club Level
New Stage, with turntable, Loading Dock on the right, and Mosh Pit
Back Stage
Bar and Cafeteria
Headliner Lounge and Dressing Room
More of the Headliner Lounge and Dressing Room
Swimming Pool and Cabanas, including a kiddie pool in the foreground. Many of the performers bring their kids and are grateful for this amenity.
Dressing Room – one of nine
Reception Room
Reception Room
Conference Room
Multi-purpose Room
Loading Dock
Marquee at the back entrance to Merriweather, in this case welcoming Dave Grohl, frontman of the Foo Fighters, on July 6, 2018.
All photos are by Harry Schwarz, unless otherwise indicated.
Nicknamed “The Professor” by his colleagues, Harry is a native Marylander who moved to Columbia in 2001. Harry’s wife, Cathy, is a Columbia acupuncturist and the family includes two college-age children, a dog and a cat.
Harry is a partner with BearsolutionsLLC, assisting charter school authorizers to provide effective financial oversight. He is underemployed at this time and welcomes conversation about how he might help you.
View all posts by Harry Schwarz
One thought on “Check out the renovations at Merriweather Post Pavilion”
How did they design, order materials and construct the new roof so quickly after the collapse?
HoCoMDcc 
How did they design, order materials and construct the new roof so quickly after the collapse?
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