Dylan-Mellencamp Concert Set-up

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By Lindsey Scheetz

Story Published: Aug 10, 2010 at 9:25 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2010 at 2:24 PM MST

BILLINGS - Fans have less than 24-hours before folk icon Bob Dylan and rock-and-roll Hall of Famer John Mellencamp take the stage in Billings.

While music stars John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan entertained thousands of fans in Sturgis, South Dakota; set up for their next big show was underway in Billings. A lot of work went into transforming the Mustangs home field at Dehler Park into center stage for the two legendary acts.

"The stage is actually a semi-truck, a 53-foot semi truck, that pops hydraulically and unfolds," explained site coordinator Josh Schmitz.

He explained how the new hydraulic technology allows for easy set-up, tear down and transportation. "They hit a button and run a motor and it unfolds like it is now, so it's pretty cool, it's pretty transformer I guess."

But turning a baseball field into a concert venue isn't easy. Schmitz said crews have to take extra precaution when setting up the massive stage. "The entire set up requires for the ball park you have to bring in roughly 300-400 sheets of plywood."

Each plywood sheet is set down to protect the baseball field from the trucks driving back and forth for set up. Schmitz said special mats will also be laid down to protect the grass.
"You know people can walk on ‘em, drink beers, its no big deal and its perforated, has holes in it so the grass can breathe so it does not hurt the grass at all."

There's no assigned seating so people can sit anywhere in the bleachers or sprawl out on the grass; however, you can't bring lawn chairs or umbrellas. So, what happens if it rains? "They get wet and have a good show,” Schmitz chuckled. So rain or shine, the show is sure to be a homerun with fans.

Concert promoters said there are still plenty of tickets available. They're $55.00 each and one child aged 14 and younger can get in free with an adult ticket. The Concert starts at 6:30 Wednesday night.

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leslie Pollard said on Tuesday, Aug 10 at 10:59 PM

the concert is WEDNESDAY night at 6:30, not Friday as stated...

Grove said on Tuesday, Aug 10 at 10:54 PM

The show is Wednesday night, not Friday night.

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