Beer Availability At Dte Concerts: What You Need To Know

Formerly known as the DTE Energy Music Theatre, the Pine Knob Music Theatre is an outdoor amphitheatre located in Independence Township, Michigan. The venue has a rich history in the American music scene and has hosted performances by diverse and popular artists. While the theatre itself does not allow outside food and beverages, including alcohol, guests can purchase beer and other drinks at concession stands located throughout the venue. Prices for drinks typically range from $5 to $10 per drink.

Beer prices at DTE concerts

Beer prices at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, range from $5 to $11 per drink. The venue, which hosts acts from Kid Rock and Van Halen to Steely Dan and Eddie Money, allows concertgoers to purchase beer, wine, coffee, frozen or specialty cocktails, soda, and energy drinks from concession stands located throughout the venue.

While the venue allows light tailgating, visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol. This means that, if you want to drink beer, you'll have to buy it from one of the concession stands. Prices are in line with those at other concert venues, where beer prices can range from $6.50 to $11 for a single beer.

In addition to its wide range of beverages, the DTE Energy Music Theatre also offers a variety of food options, including Hungry Howie's pizza, barbecue chicken quesadillas, kielbasas, chicken sandwiches, and standard concession fare such as chips, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and fries. Food prices range from $3 to $10 per item.

For those looking for a more premium experience, the venue offers a Royal membership program that provides access to amenities such as priority seating selection, VIP parking, members-only express beverage lanes, and post-show parties.

Rules for bringing your own drinks

If you're planning to bring your own drinks to the DTE Energy Music Theatre (also known as Pine Knob Music Theatre), there are a few rules you need to follow.

Firstly, it's important to note that outside food and beverages are generally not allowed. This includes alcoholic drinks, so you won't be able to bring your own beer into the venue. However, a small amount of tailgating is permitted in the car park, so you could enjoy a drink or two before you enter the theatre itself. Just remember to follow the rules and don't bring any glass containers or aerosol cans.

Once inside the venue, there are concession stands located throughout where you can purchase a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, coffee, cocktails, soda, and energy drinks. These drinks can be a little pricey, ranging from $5 to $10 each, so you might want to save your drink purchases for once you're inside.

In addition to the rules about drinks, there are a few other things to keep in mind when attending an event at the DTE Energy Music Theatre. Backpacks, purses, and clutches are prohibited, but small wallets and diaper bags/medical bags are allowed. No outside food, coolers, or umbrellas are permitted, and there is a strict 11:00 pm noise curfew. So, while you can't bring your own drinks into the theatre, you can still enjoy a few drinks before the show and then purchase additional beverages once you're inside, all while adhering to the venue's rules and guidelines.

The history of the venue

The DTE Energy Music Theatre, located in Independence Township, Michigan, has undergone several name changes since its inception. Originally known as the Pine Knob Music Theatre, the outdoor amphitheatre was built in the early 1970s by the Nederlander Organization. Its inaugural performance took place on June 25, 1972, featuring teen idol David Cassidy, with Andy Williams performing the first evening concert two days later. At the time, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheatre in the United States, with a capacity of 12,500.

One notable feature of the early years of the amphitheatre was the entrance, characterised by long cement retaining walls adorned with hand-painted logos of artists who had graced the stage. During the early 1980s, these walls were replaced by stairs and additional lawn seating, increasing the venue's capacity to over 15,000.

In 1990, Palace Sports & Entertainment, owners of the Detroit Pistons, acquired the amphitheatre. This new ownership brought about significant changes, including the installation of video screens in the pavilion and, later, on the pavilion's roof for the benefit of spectators on the lawn.

On January 25, 2001, the venue's name was changed to DTE Energy Music Theatre, following a branding partnership with Detroit energy company DTE Energy. This partnership lasted for two decades until, on January 14, 2022, the venue reverted to its original name, Pine Knob Music Theatre.

Pine Knob has hosted a diverse array of musicians over the years, including Eddie Money, Chicago, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, and Dave Matthews Band. It has also served as the Detroit-area stop for notable tours such as The Area: One and Area2 Festival, Crüe Fest, Ozzfest, and Warped Tour.

The venue's location and surroundings

The DTE Energy Music Theatre, now known as the Pine Knob Music Theatre, is located in Independence Township, Michigan, approximately 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Detroit. The address of the venue is 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston, MI 48348, US.

The theatre is situated within a vibrant entertainment district, offering a range of dining, shopping, and recreational options for visitors. Nearby attractions include the Pine Knob ski area and golf course, which lend their name to the theatre. The theatre is also conveniently located just off Interstate 75, with Exit 89-Sashabaw Road serving as the primary access point for visitors travelling from the north or south.

The surrounding area boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. For those seeking a pre-concert meal, nearby restaurants such as Clarkston Union and Union Woodshop are popular choices. These establishments are known for their connection to Michigan native Kid Rock, who has supplied them with his own Badass Beer. For those looking for a quick bite, there are also several fast-food options in the vicinity, as well as the Great Lakes Crossing mall, which offers a range of dining choices.

In addition to its culinary offerings, the area surrounding the theatre provides a variety of accommodation options for those travelling from farther afield. Furthermore, the theatre is known for its proximity to local residents, resulting in a strict 11:00 pm noise curfew for performances. This unique aspect of the venue's location has even been rumoured to have caused an incident backstage between musicians Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie in 2012.

The theatre itself is nestled within a picturesque natural setting, offering a large lawn area that surrounds the pavilion seating. This lawn not only enhances the venue's aesthetic appeal but also serves as additional seating for up to 8,851 people, providing a unique concert experience under the sun or stars. The lawn area encourages a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to stretch out and enjoy their favourite beverages and snacks while taking in the show.

Food and drink options

Before the Show

You can't bring your own booze or beverages of any kind to the DTE Energy Music Theatre, but some light tailgating is allowed. No grills are allowed, but you can pack a picnic and either hang out at your vehicle or in the area with picnic tables next to the parking lot. If you're not into packing your own basket, you can stock up at one of the many fast-food joints in the area.

There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, including Clarkston Union and Union Woodshop, which are favourites of Michigan native Kid Rock, who has supplied both places with his own Badass Beer and who can occasionally be found there eating his favourite dish, the mac and cheese.

During the Show

Concession stands are located throughout the venue, offering a wide range of food and drink options. For drinks, you can get just about anything, including beer, wine, coffee, frozen or specialty cocktails, soda, and energy drinks. Prices range from $5 to $10 per drink.

For food, you can choose from Hungry Howie's pizza, barbecue chicken quesadillas, kielbasas, chicken sandwiches, and standard concession fare like chips, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and fries. Prices for food range from $3 to $10 depending on the item.

In 2012, the amphitheatre received a new open-air beer garden called The Pine Tap, which was later renovated and renamed the Tree House Lounge in partnership with Lume Cannabis Co. However, it's important to note that cannabis consumption and purchase are not permitted on the premises.

Frequently asked questions