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As COVID-19 cases begin to creep up in Troup County, Sweetland Amphitheatre will continue with its concert line up as planned for the time being, though staff are being particularly mindful of the changing health climate. 

“As for now the shows will go on, but we’re waiting to hear if there will be any changes, but as of right now we haven’t heard of any changes,” said Katie Van Schoor, marketing/communications manager for the city of LaGrange. “We’re waiting and watching, and we’re trying to be as sensitive as we can and as safe as we can.”

Sweetland leaders are encouraging visitors to stay wary of the virus and maintain personal distance as well as health guidelines. Van Schoor said masks are optional on Sweetland’s grounds and that additional hand sanitizing stations have been installed.

“We appreciate people who would be sensitive and be sure that they don’t get too close to people,” Van Schoor said. “We’re lucky that we’re outdoors, that’s a positive, and we’re lucky that people have been, for the most part, following the rules and being safe.” 

Van Schoor encourages guests who may not feel well to reconsider attending concerts to avoid the possibly spreading the virus.

“We want to encourage [visitors] that if you do not feel well, please do not come,” she said. “Sometimes you have it and don’t even know it, but if you’ve been around someone who’s had it, be smart about it. We want to keep the music alive, but we also want to be safe.”

Several of Sweetland’s shows were rescheduled last year as a result of the pandemic, Van Schoor said. Rescheduled shows, such as Travis Tritt and Amy Grant, have performed back-to-back each week due to contract reasons, and new performers, such as Boyz II Men and Kip Moore have been added to the lineup.

“We’re not doing the socially distant shows in which there are several seats empty in each row,” Van Schoor said. “We’re not sold out, but we’ve already sold tickets [for the seats.]”

Sweetland’s next concert is American rock band Styx which will perform Sunday, Aug. 8.