Finally, after years of plans, politicking and environmental studies, there will be a concert amphitheater in the south metro. Except it's not a behemoth in Burnsville or Jordan. It's the modest-sized 8,357-seat Mystic Amphitheater at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. The first event is a July 4 free concert with country band Diamond Rio.
Don't get overly excited — this is a test-run. Although the land is graded for the amphitheater, the stage will be erected for this summer only and the seats will be rented.The stage will have a roof; the seats will not.
If the planned six concerts draw well, then Mystic intends to build permanent facilities, according to a Mystic Lake spokesman.
Mystic did something of a test last July 4 with an Oak Ridge Boys concert that drew 10,000 people to a casino parking lot.
As is the case at the casino, there will be no alcohol served at the amphitheater. Smoking will be prohibited there except for a designated section.
The only other show booked thus far is the Beach Boys on July 31. Tickets will go on sale May 27.
