As we are well past the middle of the year, PNC’s concert lineup continues to be in full swing at the PNC Bank Arts Center, located in Holmdel, NJ. Going to concerts is a special experience, especially if seeing one of your favorite artists live. If there is a show at PNC you plan to attend, there is a lot to know — from how to get there, to parking, tailgating, and more – so, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to make the most of your concert experience. Keep reading for your guide to concerts at PNC Bank Arts Center and shows occurring in the latter half of 2023.
About PNC
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Located in Holmdel Township, NJ (exit 116 off the Parkway), The PNC Bank Arts Center has been home to some of the most talented artists for over 50 years. Originally called the Garden State Arts Center, PNC opened in 1968 as an amphitheater for classical music. Over the years, it slowly transformed into an iconic hot spot for many popular and diverse artists. In fact, PNC is ranked among the top five most successful amphitheaters in the country – and is one of two major outdoor arenas in the NYC area, along with Jones Beach Theater on Long Island.
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Concerts take place from May through September featuring 45-50 different events of many types of musical styles. To date, some of the most popular performers include Tom Petty + The Heartbreakers, Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Kiss, and of course, the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. PNC has also hosted music festivals, including The Area Festival, Crüe Fest, Crüe Fest 2, The Gigantour, Lilith Fair, The Mayhem Festival, Ozzfest, Projekt Revolution, The Uproar Festival, and The Vans Warped Tour. During off-season months, the Arts Center is generally unused, except for a Holiday Light Spectacular show during the Christmas season. A banquet hall is on the premises but has not been occupied since 2013. The venue can hold up to 17,500 people and in 1995, the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial was added to the grounds.
Getting There
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From Essex County, we suggest getting on Garden State Parkway in Bloomfield from Watchung Avenue and driving until you reach exit 116 in Holmdel.
If you’re without a car, the bus service (route 109) is available for a direct route from NYC to Holmdel, NJ. Operated by Academy Bus, the New York to PNC Bank Arts Center service departs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and arrives at PNC Bank Arts Center at Telegraph Hill. Typically 109 services run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance.
Parking
PNC has several open-air parking lots around the venue and provides a few different services including VIP Parking and Premier Parking (which can be reserved on Vivid Seats), General Parking, and ADA Parking. Parking is not free at the PNC Bank Arts Center — all event attendees must pay a charge of $6. Note: this includes those who don’t possess a car, as it includes a per-ticket parking fee. Larger vehicles with three people or more will pay $18 per car. Overnight parking is prohibited in all areas.
Some Parking Tips
- The lots usually open two hours before the gate opening time, and we suggest that you arrive as early as possible to secure a convenient parking space. The best way to secure a spot is by getting there as early as the lots open, especially for big acts.
- If you’re not able to arrive early but are willing to spend more money, VIP parking will undoubtedly be worth the cost.
- If you want to avoid high prices, park in the Additional Parking area and take a free shuttle bus to the venue. Note that you’ll probably have to walk back there after the concert.
- Avoid parking altogether by taking the PNC Bank Arts Center Shuttle, located at the Aberdeen/Matawan train station, which rides free of charge.
Tailgating Rules
Tailgating is permitted in the PNC Arena parking lots but is limited to the area directly in front of or behind your car or truck. There are many alcohol enforcement patrols inside and outside of the venue so be sure everyone is 21 years of age while tailgating. Empty parking spaces cannot be used for tailgating or playing games, and you are not allowed to reserve additional spaces for others. If you need more room for tailgating or will be tailgating with a group, the Carter-Finley grass lots are the best option.
What is Allowed Inside the Venue
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Guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol into the venue but the venue offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages inside to purchase. Event attendees are permitted to bring their own small bags/backpacks no larger than 16x16x8; cameras — nonprofessional only, no detachable lenses; small umbrellas, and water — up to 1 gallon in a factory-sealed or empty bottle.
Items NOT allowed to be brought into the venue include weapons of any kind, alcohol, illegal drugs/substances, glass and metal containers, cans, hard-sided/large coolers, large or oversized bags/backpacks (bags larger than 16x16x8), laser pointers, GoPro cameras, chairs of any kind, animals (except service animals), fireworks, iPads, or selfie sticks. Unfortunately, the PNC Bank Arts Center no longer allows guests to bring their own lawn chairs. These must be rented from within the venue. While chairs are available on-site for $5, guests can carry their own blankets and find a spot on the lawn.
See More: A Comprehensive Guide to Hoboken + Jersey City Live Music Spots
The 2023 Lineup
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Below is the latter half of the 2023 concert lineup:
- Wednesday, August 2nd – Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort & More – H.S. Reunion Tour 2023
- Saturday, August 5th – Fall Out Boy – So Much For (Tour) Dust
- Sunday, August 6th – Outlaw Music Festival: Willie Nelson & Family
- Friday, August 11th- Disturbed: Take Back Your Life Tour
- Saturday, August 12th – Goo Goo Dolls – The Big Night Out Tour
- Thursday, August 17th – Slightly Stoopid and Sublime with Rome with Atmosphere, The Movement
- Friday, August 18th – Thunderfest 2023 featuring Dan + Shay
- Saturday, August 19th – Gov’t Mule’s Dark Side of the Mule w/ Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Eve
- Sunday, August 20th – Pentatonix – The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina
- Friday, August 25th – Eric Church: The Outsider’s Revival Tour
- Thursday, August 31st – Nickelback – Get Rollin’ Tour
- Sunday, September 3rd – Foreigner – The Historic Farewell Tour
- Sunday, September 10th – ZZ Top & Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour
- Saturday, October 7th – Zac Brown Band – From the Fire Tour
