Meet-Up Plaza transforms concert experience at Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

As Long Islanders entered Northwell at Jones Beach Theater for opening night of the 2025 summer season starring country star Luke Bryan, they were met with a party. DJ Beso, of Patchogue, spun tunes like Zac Brown Band’s "Chicken Fried" and Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie" as instructor Natalie Boyle, of Port Jefferson Station, led folks in some line dancing across a grassy floor.

"This is a little extra perk," said Boyle while on a break. "The activity helps get them ready for the show. Every age group loves it."

The space is called the Meet-Up Plaza where people can congregate, enjoy new food and beverage options, play games, dance or simply relax and socialize before the concert begins. This is part of the revamped Jones Beach Theater where the preshow activities have grown far beyond eating a deli sandwich while sitting on the bumper of your sedan in the parking lot.

"We made major investments for the future of Jones Beach. There’s even more to enjoy at the venue now," said general manager Adam Citron. "There’s a sense of ownership and a communal spirit at Jones Beach. We’re building on that momentum to enhance the fan experience by elevating things. We want people to come and enjoy the grounds instead of just buying a ticket, seeing the show and going home."

FOOD & DRINK OPTIONS

The food choices are no longer just popcorn, pretzels, soda and hot dogs. This year's guests can gorge on Mosh Burgers ($19 with fries) and Rebel Hen Crispy Chicken ($20 with fries). Meanwhile those 21 and over (with valid ID) in need of an adult beverage can take their pick from Subzero frozen drinks (with alcohol $20-$27 or without alcohol $12-$19) to the Paloma ($26) to the signature Jones Beach Shaker Cup Cocktails ($26).

Once people get their drinks and snacks, they can spread out at umbrella tables or lounge in Adirondack chairs on the open lawn. Extra bathrooms and merchandise booths have also been added for crowd convenience.

GAMES & PHOTO-OPS

Interactive social lawn games are available to play in the Meet-Up Plaza, such as cornhole, where the boards are emblazoned with faces of music icons like Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, James Brown and Freddie Mercury.

Dom Iadebaia, of Westbury, was involved in a preshow cornhole match with his mom and two cousins.

"I love all of this. It definitely adds to the experience," said Iadebaia, 25. "Before this there was only tailgating in the parking lot. Now you can really have some fun before the concert starts."

There are also photo-op spots around the venue where concertgoers can take a selfie to preserve a memory from the evening. There’s an old-style blown-up Jones Beach postcard backdrop as well as a concert totem pole featuring wooden carved plaques with artists' names who headlined the venue and the date they appeared. But perhaps the most popular spots are the giant beach chairs people can sit in.

Brooklyn Viola, of Franklin Square, posed for pictures in an oversized chair with her aunt Jeanette Scaccio, 44, and mom, JoAnn Viola, 39, who were taking her to the show in celebration of her ninth birthday.

"This is her first concert," JoAnn said. "She knows all of Luke Bryan’s songs."

VIP BUMP UP

Another area that has significantly expanded is the VIP section, located on the right side of the amphitheater. It has two levels: basic ($64-$99, in addition to the concert ticket) and premium ($9,000-$15,000 full season; partial season: $2,000 — 4 show package to $8,000 — 20 show package). The basic VIP pass allows you access to the Citi VIP Club, an open deck with wait service.

This was Syosset resident Robert Hormik’s first time going VIP as he was chillin’ with friends enjoying a beer while wearing a baseball cap that says "Cowboy Hat."

"This is really nice because it’s not too crowded in here," said Hormik, 29. "It’s easier than going out for drinks and dinner beforehand."

Meanwhile John Dowling and Melissa Palmeri, of Medford, shared some chicken fingers with fries and Brussels sprouts on the couch before sitting in their seats.

"We hang here before the show and then we like to go inside when Luke Bryan goes on," said Dowling, 46, in between sips of Tito’s and club soda with lemon. "Before the VIP section wasn’t as nice as it is now. But this is really cool. The extras are worth it."

There’s also an open VIP courtyard with umbrella tables, wicker swing seats and a jumbo screen projecting the concert with full audio.

PREMIUM PERKS

The VIP premium package, which is for season ticket holders, includes exclusive entrance to the Bayside Deck, a concert stands area with wait service and clear view of the stage. There’s also Zach’s Bay Club where guests can sip cocktails and enjoy gourmet entrées on couches with stage viewing. However, the crown jewel of the venue is The Vinyl Room. This two-story building is decorated like an upscale vintage record store with an Asian-themed menu and its own DJ.

"The Vinyl Room is a more intimate experience. It’s indoors so if it’s raining, you’re protected and there’s TVs in each part of the room showing the action on the stage," said media coordinator Sydney Behar. "You could still see the concert from inside the comfort of an air-conditioned room if it’s a hot summer. It gives you that added layer of protection."

The menu features upscale items like tuna tataki ($28), beef teriyaki ($29) and shiitake tempura burger ($20).

There’s even a rooftop bar overlooking Zach’s Bay and a view of the stage. The current popular cocktail is Smoke on the Water (Mi Campo Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, mango, jalapeño and lime — $26).

"This seat is the best," said Helayna Campo, of North Babylon, sipping a Lemon Drop alongside her husband, Gino DelBianco, from her rooftop corner table with direct sightline to the stage. "I love The Vinyl Room. They did a great job with it. I like the fact that when I come back, I see the same faces and the staff knows us."

ON THE WAY OUT

The concertgoer accommodations continue even as the show ends.

"This year we are offering an after-show eats option," said Citron. "The Meet-Up area will remain open post-show for guests to unwind, get a snack and talk about their concert experience."

Overall, Northwell at Jones Beach Theater has become very fan-focused by providing more than just live music.

"People are really starting to explore the venue and see what the options are," Citron said. "Guests who have been coming for years even find new things with every visit."

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.