The lineup for the Virgin Festival, the first U.S. concert venture for British billionaire Richard Branson, was unveiled Monday with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Who as the day long event?s headliners.
The Examiner first reported earlier this month that the U.K. rock festival would hold its first-ever U.S. concert at Baltimore?s Pimlico Race Track.
“We just think that Baltimore is a great location ? it?s easily accessible for many points along the mid-Atlantic corridor, and Baltimore is also just a great access point to colleges and universities in the area,” said Howard Handler, Virgin Mobile?s chief marketing officer. “We think we can build a great festival at a perfect location on the East Coast. It can be a destination.”
The festival, which is sponsored by Virgin Mobile, is modeled after the European V Festival, which was created in 1996 and attracts thousands each year. This year?s UK V Fest sold out in less than three hours, and organizers expect a similar response for the Baltimore concert.
“We?ve got more than enough sizzle to attract a major crowd,” said Handler. “It?s our first year and people are careful about what they spend their money on, but we think we have something that is really compelling for people.”
The concert, which is slated for Sept. 23, will also feature Scissor Sisters, The Flaming Lips, Keane, The Killers and Wolfmother as well as 16 other bands.
Mike Gathagan, a spokesman with the Maryland Jockey Club, which oversees the Pimlico Race Track, said he was pleased that Virgin chose the track for the event, though thoroughbred horse racing will continue to be the track?s top focus.
“We?re delighted and proud to be the host to such a historic event,” said Gathagan.
Specifically, Pimlico was selected because its infield provides wide-open space that can accommodate up to 60,000 people.
Virgin Festival at Pimlico Race Track
» When: Saturday, September 23
» Tickets are $97.50 and will go on sale at 10 a.m. July 22.
For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-551-SEAT. For more information on the festival, visit www.virginfestival.com.
