Venue Organizers Work To Bring Concerts Lost Due To Pandemic Back To Chesapeake Energy Arena

With Oklahoma turning the corner on the pandemic, the rush is on to reclaim some of the best musicians in the world.

But we’ve learned, those concerts lost in the past year at Chesapeake Energy Arena are going to be tougher to get back than you may think.

The MAPS 3 Convention Center has been hosting events in 2021, beating other convention centers around the country just now reopening due to the pandemic. But refilling the event calendar at the arena is more complicated.

“Hopefully events in Oklahoma City will start more quickly that other major markets that haven’t loosened their capacity to this degree yet,” said Chris Semrau, Chesapeake Energy Arena General Manager.

Semrau believes that may make OKC a viable option for one off events.

Chesapeake Energy Arena is hosting Monster Jam this upcoming weekend.

Masks will be required and there's pod seating.

Country music's Cody Johnson will play the ‘Peake June 25 to around 6,000 people.

“We are very active, looking to book events for later this year and into 2022 and 2023 right now,” said Semrau.

Capacity limits are getting higher but getting back larger concerts lost in the pandemic isn't made easier with our current open doors.

Pearl Jam, for example, needs high-capacity venues across its entire tour before it can reschedule its tour.

“They are trying to plan out their whole North American tour so there are many other markets that would impact when our date gets rescheduled,” said Semrau.

Right now, August is the target on when Chesapeake Energy Arena will be at full capacity again.