The Port: In the spotlight for the best concert season in years

POCATELLO — After a few rocky years, The Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre — now known simply as “The Port” — is making a resounding comeback with what many call its best concert season.

With 11 shows spanning genres from country and classic rock to heavy metal and blues, the 2025 lineup has something for nearly everyone.

Over the past three years, the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre has focused on restoring its reputation after a stretch of inconsistent concert experiences and public backlash, most notably the Rockzilla Tour fiasco in 2022.

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Bannock County Event Director Scott Crowther said the previous model of subcontracting promoters under county management led to several issues that hurt the venue’s image. Since then, the team has prioritized rebuilding the brand and creating a better, more enjoyable concertgoing experience.

Crowther credits the renewed excitement to a new partnership with Nederlander Concerts, a nationally recognized promotion company that became the venue’s exclusive booking and programming partner in 2024.

Additionally, Crowther and his team have been fine-tuning over the past couple of years after traveling to other venues, researching strategies to improve efficiency and comfort for concertgoers.

The team has taken a much more hands-on approach, prioritizing better logistics, smoother crowd management, and a stronger focus on overall guest satisfaction.

Efforts to cut down on long lines include separate teams for security, ticket scanning, and drink wristband distribution, more stands for alcohol and soft drinks, and more entrances.

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“It took some time, especially since we’re a government entity, but we’ve made a real effort to rebuild the brand and turn The Port into a venue people are excited to return to,” Crowther said. “This season is the result of three years of hard work.”

This year’s diverse concert lineup reflects Nederlander’s industry reach and The Port’s commitment to variety.

Confirmed shows include:

• June 25 – Little Feat & Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• July 12 – Billy Currington
• July 19 – Stephen Wilson Jr.
• July 26 – Dwight Yoakam with The Mavericks
• August 1 – Dropkick Murphys & Bad Religion
• August 6 – Joe Bonamassa
• August 8 – Old Dominion with ERNEST & Redferrin
• August 14 – ZZ Top
• August 15 – Darius Rucker with Jade Eagleson
• August 16 – 311
• October 3 – Mudvayne with Static-X and Vended

Tickets to the concerts should be purchased through the platform ETIX.

While these concerts are confirmed, Crowther said there may be more concert announcements for September.

One popular change implemented two years ago, which will continue, is the preparty area near the west entrance, capable of holding up to 5,000 people. Opening at 4:30 p.m., this space offers food, drinks, games, and music — free to ticket holders — and reduces the bottleneck effect of concertgoers arriving en masse just before showtime.

“People show up really early. If we can get them into a designated space where we can handle ticket scanning and security ahead of time, they can relax and enjoy themselves before the concert,” Crowther said. “The bands love seeing fans gathered and having fun. A lot of them take photos for their social media.”

“We’ve learned a lot since the Rockzilla show. Some of the same people connected to that show are coming back because they believe in our improvements,” said Crowther.

“We’re excited. The system is working. People are enjoying their concert experience at The Port. We will continue to improve the concert experience for concert goers and our VIP guests,” he concluded.

To keep updated follow The Port on Facebook.

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