Y Live draws nearly 17,000 to stadium
Trending
Tribune Chronicle
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bob and Becky Hrusovsky of Howland couldn't think of a better way to spend their 33rd wedding anniversary.
The couple went to see the Zac Brown Band in June at KeyBank Pavilion in Burgettstown, Pa., and couldn't believe when it was announced a few days later the three-time Grammy-winning act was coming to Youngstown State University's Stambaugh Stadium for the first Y Live concert. Their children bought them tickets as an anniversary gift.
"I love it," Bob Hrusovsky said. "I couldn't ask for anything better."
They were joined at by nearly 17,000 other concertgoers for what promoter JAC Live was calling the biggest concert in the city's history.
"Thank you for letting us be the one to break the seal on this place," Brown told the crowd after opening the concert at 8:35 p.m. with "Keep Me in Mind."
Before Brown took the stage, JAC founder Eric Ryan already committed to another concert at the stadium next year.
"Oh, yeah, we'll definitely do it again next year," Ryan said. "We had enough success that we're going to go again … YSU has been amazing to work with. The collaboration has been fantastic.
"When the band walked in today, their manager said, 'Wow.' They just loved the set up, how everyone had a a straight-on shot (of the stage)."
Co-promoter Ed Muransky, president and CEO of the Muransky Companies and Southwoods Health, said events like Y Live improve the quality of life in the Mahoning Valley and can have an impact in other ways as well.
"Everyone can stick out their chest a little that Zac Brown came here," Muransky said.
Many at the tailgate party before the concert had seen Brown before and were thrilled and surprised they had the opportunity to see him so close to home.
Victor Reghetti of Warren, who was attending his third ZBB concert, said, "I've always seen him in Cleveland or Pittsburgh. To see him here is kind of cool."
"We need more big shows like this," his friend, Stacie Curtis of Girard, said.
Taking a break from a cornhole game, Tammy Casey of Hubbard said, "Soon as we heard, we knew we were going. He's like a down-home boy. He speaks the truth."
Her husband, Greg Casey, said "Toes in the Sand" is their favorite ZBB song.
"That's our vacation music," he said. "Every time we hit the beach, that's the song we play."
Those in the tailgate lot were required to buy their beer on site and there were several food trucks, but most came prepared with elaborate spreads.
Pat Dales of Cortland was among the tailgaters who brought a grill to the lot and was cooking burgers and hotdogs for more than a dozen friends.
"I wanted to see his first concert here (in Youngstown)," Dales said. "I was kind of surprised he was coming since he was just at Blossom (Music Center)."
Temperatures were in the low-to mid-60s when the music started, and concertgoers stayed dry except for an intermittent sprinkle. Ryan said the threat of rain probably curtailed the walk-up crowd, but he was happy with the attendance. JAC Live and Muransky companies had about 60 days to promote the show and Brown played Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Columbus-area shows before Y Live.
"We knew it was risky, but we had to get this first one in," Ryan said.