Bank of NH Pavilion wants to have more camping

By ADAM DRAPCHO

GILFORD — The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, formerly known as Meadowbrook, ran an experiment over the last season to see if concert goers would like to pitch a tent to return to after the final encore. The results were so conclusive that the performing arts center is now asking the town's Planning Board for permission to offer camping at every concert it hosts.

The Planning Board had scheduled a public hearing on the proposal last night; the meeting took place after the deadline for this section.

"It was very successful – feedback was tremendous," Michael Seymour said on Friday about the camping trial. Seymour, chief financial officer for Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, said the facility, with permission from the town, offered camping for 12 of its concerts last year. The only negative comments were from people wanting to camp during concerts that were outside of the facility's trial agreement with the Planning Board. The proposal currently before the town asks for the concert venue's site plan to be amended to allow camping for up to 40 events each year, which would cover an entire season of concerts.

Seymour said the type of camping permitted would be tent-site camping. Patrons who purchase a camping pass are allowed to enter the facility one hour before anyone else, and they are afforded a 10-foot-square area to pitch a tent. Grills are permitted, but open fires and alcohol are prohibited. Portable toilets are set up near the camping area, and campers have 24-hour access to bathrooms and shower facilities. However, there are no water or sewer hook-ups, so RV camping is not permitted. Campers must vacate the property by noon of the day following the concert.

The cost of a parking pass will vary from show to show, said Seymour. Last year, the passes were sold for $65, which includes a premium parking pass. The camping area is currently one of the facility's large parking lots, but if the Planning Board approves the proposal for expanded parking, Seymour said the venue would seek to develop a wooded portion of its property for its camping sites.

The facility's site plan allows for up to 1,000 camping sites per concert. Considering that the total capacity for concerts is about 9,000, Seymour thinks it is unlikely that all of those camping passes will be sold. None of the proposed camping sites abut residential areas.

Camping at an outdoor venue such as the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion provides benefits to both the facility and to its guests, said Seymour. The company is able to capture more revenue from each concert, and, he said, is able to sell tickets to a broader clientele.

For example, Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is excited to bring the Dave Matthews Band for two consecutive dates in July, a first for the venue. Fans of the well-known band might be tempted to travel from out of state for one or both shows, but might hesitate at the though of also paying for a hotel room. The option to camp means that those fans are more likely to spring for the ticket and camping package.

"It's also part of the experience for many people," Seymour noted. For their patrons coming from afar, a trip to see a concert at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is also a visit to a scenic region. The opportunity to linger in the area and sleep in the fresh air, while surrounded by fans of the same artists.

"It just fits, it gives that rustic feel," he said.