Jones Beach Theater is an open-air amphitheater within Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York, on Long Island. Designed under the direction of legendary planner Robert Moses, it opened on June 26, 1952 as the New Jones Beach Marine Stadium, with its stage built out over the waters of Zachs Bay so that boats could glide past during performances.
For its first few decades the venue hosted elaborate aquatic musicals, including productions by Guy Lombardo that ran from the 1950s into the late 1970s. Since the 1980s it has operated primarily as a concert amphitheater, expanding from an original 8,200 seats to its current 15,000-seat capacity, and today operates under naming-rights sponsorship from Northwell Health with shows booked by Live Nation.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Wantagh, New York (Jones Beach State Park)
- Type: Outdoor amphitheater
- Opened: June 26, 1952
- Capacity: About 15,000
- Designer: Robert Moses
- Operator: Live Nation Entertainment
- Famous for: Stage built over Zachs Bay
A Stage Built Over the Water
What sets Jones Beach Theater apart from most amphitheaters is its setting: the stage sits partially over Zachs Bay, a design feature dating back to its 1952 origins as a venue for water-based musical productions. That unusual waterfront layout, combined with open-air seating that climbs steeply from the stage, gives concertgoers ocean breezes and bay views alongside the show.
The venue has been expanded and renovated several times, most notably in the early 1990s when a second seating level was added, and again in 1998 when capacity reached its current 15,000. After Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage in 2012, the theater underwent a $20 million rehabilitation and reopened in May 2013.
From Aquacades to Rock Concerts
In its early decades the venue was best known for lavish aquatic revues, including productions overseen by bandleader Guy Lombardo that continued into 1977. As audience tastes shifted, the theater transitioned toward mainstream concerts through the 1980s and beyond, becoming one of the busiest summer touring stops in the New York metropolitan area.
The venue has carried several corporate names over the years, including Tommy Hilfiger and Nikon, before Northwell Health acquired naming rights in 2017. It remains a state-owned facility within Jones Beach State Park, with concerts booked and promoted by Live Nation.
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Jones Beach Theater FAQs
Where is Jones Beach Theater located?
It’s located within Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York, on Long Island, about 41 miles southeast of New York City.
How many people does Jones Beach Theater hold?
The amphitheater has a capacity of about 15,000 seats, all open-air, reached after several expansions since its 1952 opening with 8,200 seats.
Why is the stage built over water?
The theater originally opened in 1952 as a venue for elaborate aquatic musical productions, so its stage was built extending over Zachs Bay — a feature the venue retains today even though it now hosts standard concerts.
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Photo: (R. Sullivan) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.