RIVER ISLANDS: GROUND ZERO FOR SOUTH COUNTY ENTERTAINMENT?

Concrete is now being poured for what will be the South County’s largest concert venue — the River Islands Amphitheater.

The venue nestled against the San Joaquin River levee between the Islanders Baseball Field and the 18,700 square foot Redwood Café and events center is expected to be completed later this year.

Although the 6.7 acre amphitheater could accommodate 10,000 concert goers, River Islands is capping its capacity to 3,400 due to parking limitations.

By going with the larger size with concerts limited, it will allow the grounds to be used for a wide variety of events from low-key community gatherings and weddings to soccer games or practices, school graduations, festivals such as Lathrop Days, community garage sales and more.

The existing River Islands welcome center building will be relocated to an area west of the amphitheater to accommodate parties and other events.

Plans call for a future 117-room hotel with views overlooking the river to be built nearby.

The goal is to not only provide a community venue for River Islands and Lathrop as a whole but also as a regional concert center.

River Islands President Susan Dell’Osso said the goal is to program as many as six concerts with professional acts as well as pursuing a low-key community concert series.

The largest concert would be just over half the size the 6,000 spectators Ironstone Vineyards’ venue can draw.

It is a fifth the size of the valley’s largest concert venture, the Toyota Amphitheater than can accommodate up to 18,000 for rock and country concerts.

The adjoining Redwood Café will include terrace outdoor dining taking advantage of its proximity to both the river and the amphitheater.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email [email protected]