Station Square's Highmark Stadium To Begin Hosting Concerts

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The IC Light Amphitheater was torn down three years ago in Station Square to make room for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds' new home, Highmark Stadium.

Since then, many Pittsburghers have missed the concerts at one of the city's nightlife hotspots, but now the music is returning.

"We have the view, we have the location," said concert promoter Rich Engler. "There's only one place that has this kind of atmosphere, and we have it."

The Concert Series at Highmark Stadium kicks off June 14 with the Steve Miller Band. Former Eagle Don Fleder will open the show.

But you have to wonder if Engler can compete with shows on the North Shore at Stage AE, or even First Niagara Pavilion in Burgettstown. Engler is betting he can.

"Across the river is 5,000 seats; we're 9,000. All acts think they can do more people," he says.

They plan on doing big shows and small shows. Depending on the seating configuration, they can do a show as small as 3,500 people, or they can accommodate up to 9,000 music fans.

Engler is no stranger to concerts at Station Square. He owned and operated the IC Light Amphitheater for 17 years. And was a partner in the legendary promotion firm DiCesare-Engler.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette concert reviewer Scott Mervis says Engler hits all the right notes.

"Rich Engler obviously has the track record. He's got the biggest track record in the history of Pittsburgh," said Mervis. "I wouldn't ever underestimate what he can do."

Engler says he won't have a full line up of shows this summer, but next year he expects Station Square to be a major concert destination.

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