5,000 on Maui Expected to Attend Santana Concert

Santana Maui concert poster, courtesy MACC.

By Wendy Osher

At least 5,000 people are expected to attend Thursday’s Santana concert on Maui, according to venue officials.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at the A&B Amphitheater of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana was the first act to perform in the MACC’s Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater in 1994. Now 19 years and 10 Grammy Awards later, Santana returns to entertain fans from the new Yokouchi Pavilion and A&B Amphitheater.

With thousands of fans expected to be in attendance, the MACC has provided some tips for concert goers and motorists in the area:

When do gates open?  Gates to the concert area will open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28.  The Events Lawn F&B court opens at 4:30 p.m.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the A&B Amphitheater at Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Where do I pick up my tickets?  Pick up your tickets from the MACC Box Office at Will-Call. We strongly urge you to pick up tickets now or anytime prior to the concert area opening. (MACC Box Office is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and up to showtime on show nights)

I bought General Admission tickets. What should I expect? MACC has a limited amount of bleacher seating for general admission. GA ticket holders are free to stand in various areas around the concert area, but are not allowed to block access aisles to seats or stage. We encourage you to arrive early to look at your options and claim a seat on the bleachers.

Maui Santana concert parking map. Click image to view in greater detail.

What about parking for the concert? Day of show parking is available at UHMC’s grass field for $10 cash. Enter at the Recycling Center driveway.  Parking for individuals with disabilities will be available on a first come, first served basis in the MACC lot or UHMC asphalt lot for $10.

When do the parking lots open? Parking lots will be open at 3 p.m. on show day.

If I come early will I have to wait until the seating area opens? The MACC Events Lawn will be open at 4:30 p.m. so please arrive early and enjoy refreshing beverages or browse the merchandise to avoid feeling rushed from possible traffic/parking delays.

Will there be a Food Court? Yes. MACC’s Events Lawn will be open at 4:30 p.m. with food, beverages and Santana merchandise available for purchase.  Please bring your ID for those 21 years and older who plan to drink alcoholic beverages.

Will there be a Beer Garden? No. Beer and wine will be available for purchase only by adults with the proper ID. Because alcohol consumption will be permitted throughout the venue, alcohol regulations (especially those pertaining to underage drinking and over-consumption) will be strictly enforced by uniformed security and undercover personnel.

Do I need my ID? If you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages, yes. All adults 21 years of age and over will need to present their government-issued photo ID to be able to purchase alcoholic beverages.

What food and beverages will be sold? Will there be scrip? Prepared food, bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the Events Lawn. All food and beverage purchases will require scrip which can be purchased at various locations with cash; vendors will not accept cash or credit cards. Food prices range from $2 to $15, soft drinks cost $2, premium beers and wines cost $7-8.

Will there be merchandise for sale? Yes, a full selection of Santana merchandise will be available for purchase. Merchandise vendors will accept cash and credit cards – sorry, no checks. There will be two ATM machines on site.

What if it rains or there are high winds on the day of the concert? The concert will take place rain, shine or wind. Although you won’t be able to bring an umbrella in the concert area, you can be prepared with a rain poncho or hat. There are no ticket refunds or exchanges; all sales are final.

What else should we know? For everyone’s safety, no strollers, umbrellas, beach chairs, backpacks or anything with a hard frame will be permitted in the venue, nor any tote bags or coolers, cans, bottles (except plastic water bottles), flying discs or potential projectiles.

Cameras, recording devices and weapons are strictly prohibited. If found, you will be asked to return them to your vehicle.

No illegal drugs or paraphernalia will be allowed. If found, they will be confiscated.

The MACC is a non-smoking facility.