Canadian event technology company Showpass is expanding its balcony concert series through a partnership with The Ritz Carlton hotel group.
The company, which has 108 luxury hotels and resorts in 30 countries and territories, has joined Pollstar Top 100 Global Promoter Rush Concerts and Showpass to launch the project, MercyMe Show’tel – Music with a View.
The event, which will take place on March 5 and 6 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, in Florida, was originally planned for one night, but after the first show sold out within 24 hours there was enough demand for a full second show.
The hotel concert model, which Showpass first debuted last summer as a COVID-safe alternative to full capacity live events, provides a social distancing environment with individual bathrooms, room service capabilities, contactless check-in and check-out, and a room to stay the night in, alleviating the risk of drinking and driving.
Joel Jelinski, Showpass business development executive, said: “To date, we have partnered with four global hotel chains representing over 1,000 potential locations, sold more than 4,000 hotel rooms, and seen tens of thousands of fans enjoy live entertainment, all without one single recorded case of COVID-19.”
Showpass said it is actively working with industry partners and entertainment to create a sustainable hotel touring network across the US. It added that with the continued uncertainty surrounding the return of live events, the firm is “confident” that their “staycation concert model” will continue to be a relevant solution for the live entertainment industry in order to transition back into traditional live events.
Tickets for the event cost between $1,850 and $1,100, with several different options for guests to choose from. The most expensive is a fire pit room and a hotel room accommodates up to four total guests for overnight stay. Fans may have an additional two guests for a total of six guests on the balcony during the show.
There are four balcony ticket types and two table ticket types, which cost £1,320 for an “Ultra Premium View” or £1,100 for a standard view. Tables accommodate up to four guests and includes a standard hotel room at The Ritz-Carlton that does not have a view of the stage. For fans sitting at tables, masks will be required at the table, unless they are eating or drinking.
The two MercyMe Show’tel – Music with a View events assured fans that the concerts will be held “rain or shine,” and therefore does not have a refund policy.
Image: Showpass video