PHOTOS: Central Park's SummerStage To Debut After $5M Renovation

CENTRAL PARK, NY — The SummerStage concert venue at Central Park is ready to open following an extensive $5 million renovation project that features multiple upgrades for both concertgoers and performers.

The Central Park concert venue — located near the park entrance at East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue — will reopen Saturday, June 1 to mark the inauguration of the annual summer concert series' 2019 season. Before the renovation, the venue's 20-year-old stage and 10-year-old sound systems were in dire need of repair, according to the City Parks Foundation.

New Yorkers attending SummerStage concerts in 2019 will benefit from a reallocation of space to make the venue feel more open. The City Parks Foundation removed a pathway that cut through the venue to lead toward the general admission standing area, opting instead to send concert goers on a path that goes around the back of the venue. With fewer people moving in and out of the center of the lawn, there will be fewer distractions during the show.

Other upgrades for concertgoers include added general admission raised bleacher seating for 360 people with improved sigh lines of the stage, additional bathrooms at the venue and a new vendor area located further away from the stage so lines don't run up against the crowd. The venue is also now ADA-accessible.

The renovated SummerStage venue also features two upgraded VIP areas that offer direct sight lines of the stage, private bar areas and private bathrooms. The first is called the Member's Lounge, and is located dead center across from the stage. The second is called The Terrace and is located directly to the left of the stage. Both areas have sections that can be rented out for private events and furniture provided by West Elm.

Fans aren't the only ones who will reap the rewards of the renovation. Artists performing SummerStage shows will be able to take advantage of new features such as private green rooms outfitted with bathrooms and a private patio area and bar for performers and their guests. The new SummerStage canopy is also 20 percent larger, protecting performers from the elements, and new sound and lighting systems can enhance their show. With these new features, the City Parks Foundation hopes to draw big-name performers to Central Park.

This year's SummerStage festival will feature more than 200 artists playing about 100 free and benefit concerts in 18 city parks. Check out the full lineup here.

Check out photos of the new venue below: