Gwinnett Arena: the first five years

Arts and Culture

A look at the noteworthy acts, including Bob Dylan, Miley Cyrus and Bruce Springsteen, that have performed at Gwinnett Arena during its first five years.

Gwinnett Arena quickly claimed bragging rights to top metro Atlanta events when doors opened in 2003, with George Strait and Bruce Springsteen performing to sold-out crowds within the first two weeks. The Duluth venue, which celebrated its five year anniversary Feb. 16, has had more than 3,850,000 come through its doors, translating to more than $76 million in gross sales, according to marketing manager Julia Karrenbuer. --Adrianne M. Murchison

Noteworthy acts include:GEORGE STRAITWhen: Feb. 21, 2003Top ticket: $61.50The 411: The first music concert held in the arena. Each of his four concerts here have sold out.

BOB DYLAN When: Sept. 22, 2007Top ticket: $69.50The 411: Dylan fans are known to see his shows 10 or 20 times. Some are on another level. "One lady in the audience brought him a dozen roses and said it was her 125th Bob Dylan show," Karrenbauer said.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEENWhen: Feb. 28, 2003Top ticket: $75The 411: Springsteen's sold-out show was the second concert held at the arena. "It was the first time we had people standing in the parking lot overnight to get tickets," Karrenbauer said. Arena staff gave wrist bands to waiting fans so they could move about the parking lot and still maintain their place in line.

HANNAH MONTANAWhen: Nov. 28, 2007Top ticket: $5,176The 411: Sky-high ticket prices told older folks what young girls already knew -- Miley Cyrus' alter ego is a certified teen phenom. "The public response was bigger than the Beatles. Hannah Montana folks set up a merchandise stand and tour bus outside (the arena) so people who didn't have tickets could get a T-shirt and photos," Karrenbauer said.

ELTON JOHNWhen: Nov. 19, 2003 Top ticket: $71.50The 411: If not for scheduling conflicts, Sir Elton would have been the arena's inaugural show. Fans dressed up in Elton John-style attire and tossed the part-time Atlanta resident flowers as he sang such hits as "Bennie and the Jets" and "Philadelphia Freedom."

DAVE RAMSEY "MONEY MAKEOVER"When: Nov. 8, 2007 Top ticket: $169 The 411: A sold-out crowd came to hear the once bankrupt, nationally syndicated talk show host give "get real" tips to financial freedom. Some paid top dollar for a backstage dinner and face time with Ramsey. The event was streamed live on a screen outside the arena.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL DELIRIUMWhen: June 8-9, 2007Top ticket: $125 The 411: "The staging and rigging of the production was unbelievable. The show is really in a world of its own," Karrenbauer said.

GEORGIA FORCE HOME OPENERWhen: Feb. 16, 2003Top ticket: $60 The 411: In the first event at the arena, the Force beat the San Jose Sabercats 51-49 before 10,000 fans. After a three-year stint at Philips Arena, the team returns to Gwinnett to play the Dallas Desperados on March 1.

SEC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS When: March 25, 2005Top ticket: $12The 411: Anything UGA (such as the Bulldogs' Ashley Kupets) is a big attraction at the arena, Karrenbauer said. Crowds also come to see competing gymnasts from the Atlanta area now attending out-of-state schools.

AND 1 MIXTAPE TOUR BASKETBALLWhen: July 30, 2006Top ticket: $50The 411: Local players would play in tournaments in the arena parking lot. "The winner got to play with And 1 players (on tour) and be featured on the league's television series," Karrenbauer said.

WOMEN OF FAITH REVOLVE TOURWhen: Dec. 1-2, 2006Top Tix: $69The 411: The non-denominational faith, hope and love worship conference for teen girls drew 8,500 middle and high schoolers. The two-day production featured live pop gospel music, skits and talks related to everyday issues facing young girls.

DISTRICT CONVENTION OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES When: June 29-July 1, 2007Top ticket: FreeThe 411: It was the first of four worship weekends at the arena. Attendance at the annual event swelled to an estimated 40,000 people from 11,000 in 2006.

AMERICAN IDOL TOURWhen: July 16, 2005Top ticket: $47 The 411: The sold-out show featured Season Four contestants and winner Carrie Underwood. The following year included Bucky Covington (left), Mandisa, Elliot Yamin, Taylor Hicks, Lisa Tucker, Ace Young, Kathryn McPhee and Paris Bennett.

DANCING WITH THE STARS TOURWhen: Jan. 25, 2008Top ticket: $167The 411: "Wayne Newton performed and you had that concert feeling," said Cheryl Gee, director of sales and marketing. "A ballroom floor was set up with these big dramatic drapes. Fans who wanted to pay a little extra sat at tables that surrounded the dance floor." The first time the show came to Duluth, actor Joey Lawrence and partner Edyta Sliwinska were among the performers.

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Gwinnett Arena quickly claimed bragging rights to top metro Atlanta events when doors opened in 2003, with George Strait and Bruce Springsteen performing to sold-out crowds within the first two weeks. The Duluth venue, which celebrated its five year anniversary Feb. 16, has had more than 3,850,000 come through its doors, translating to more than $76 million in gross sales, according to marketing manager Julia Karrenbuer. --Adrianne M. Murchison

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