Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Sweetland Amphitheatre will be full on Friday night for the Travis Tritt concert, which is a welcome sight for this community. In a way, it’s the biggest sign yet that life as we know is returning to normal.

Although it’s only been around a few years, going to Sweetland for a concert has already become a must-do in LaGrange and Troup County. The venue attracts people from all over — including from well away from Troup County.

We’ve seen Martina McBride, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Gladys Knight and many other stars grace the stage of our beautiful amphitheater over the years. And we think it’s fair to say all of us took those special times at Sweetland for granted.

COVID-19 changed a lot, and it took the ability to gather for a concert away from us. Nobody saw that coming.

Previously, only the sight of an incoming thunderstorm could’ve ruined a concert night. But on Friday (where rain is not expected), we’re not sure even a rain shower could mess up what should be a wonderful night.

We encourage you to be careful — and wear a mask — if you aren’t vaccinated from COVID-19. Take precautions. We feel like we should say that. The pandemic isn’t over.

But Friday’s concert is a huge step for this community as we move forward, have some fun in a crowded setting and enjoy a great performance.

We’re glad to have you back Sweetland. It’s been way too long.