NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WTHR) — Summer concert season is here, and Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center is bringing plenty of music superstars and venue upgrades to soak it all.
Now in its 31st year, Ruoff — or Klipsch, or Verizon, or Deer Creek — is still one of the top music venues in the nation. It was one of the nominees for the Academy of Country Music's best large capacity venue this year. And the they're not stopping there. The venue is continuously adding new features and upgrades to improve the experience for concert-goers.
The shows
Central Indiana is a popular market for country acts, and there are some big-name musicians stepping on stage at Ruoff this year.
- May 31: Dierks Bentley
- June 21: Thomas Rhett
- July 13: Chris Young
- July 20: Brad Paisley
- Aug. 18: Luke Bryan
- Aug. 23: Jason Aldean
- Sept. 14: Rascal Flatts
- Sept. 20: Outlaw Music Festival featuring Willie Nelson
- Sept. 21: Brantley Gilbert
There are also musicians from other genres, like Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, KISS, Wiz Khalifa and blink-182 with special guest Lil Wayne. Comedian Adam Sandler is also bringing his stand-up comedy act to the stage.
To see the full concert lineup, click here.
The food
If we're being honest, the full concert experience isn't complete with just the music. Food and drink options play a big role, and the folks at Ruoff hope new options will satisfy concert-goers this years.
They encourage fans to come to the venue early to take part in some of the new food offerings they have, including a vegetarian Philly cheesesteak, Art Bird fried chicken (a favorite of pop icon Lady Gaga and former First Lady Michelle Obama), gourmet hot dogs from Dog Haus and signature cocktails hand-crafted by a world-class mixologist.
Here are some of the gourmet hot dog and sausage options:
- The Cowboy: bacon-wrapped hot dog, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and crispy onions
- Chili the Kid: America cheese, Haus chili, crispy onions and chipotle aioli
- Reservoir Hog: Polish Kielbasa, Haus chili, Haus slaw and yellow mustard
Dog Haus also offers other sides and snacks like loaded tater tots, cheddar buttermilk biscuits and a fried chicken sandwich.
Venue updates and improvements
New improvements make it easier for fans to enjoy the music, even if they don't have the up-close-and-personal VIP tickets.
There are new LED screens in the lawn that are 30 percent larger than the old ones, overhead fans in the pavilion to keep it cool and digital traffic signage to keep the crowds moving.
In addition to improving traffic inside the facility, there are now more efficient ways to get in. There's now a fast lane and "no bag express lane" for quicker entry if you don't have a bag that need to be checked.
A new premiere parking option makes it easier to find a spot before the show.
There are also new restrooms and the old restrooms underwent renovations.