Friday, March 27, 2009

THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT THE WHARF CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

The Wharf announces the completion and Grand Opening of The Conference Center at The Wharf. The addition of this impressive new facility to the extensive and diverse offerings of residential, commercial and recreational venues at The Wharf, further establishes The Wharf as the Gulf Coast’s premier destination resort.

Facility

The Conference Center’s 27,000 square feet of interior space houses meeting room areas, a Green Room, and state-of-the-art audio and visual technology available for hosting a wide variety of exhibits and functions, including association and group meetings, trade shows, special events, weddings, and sporting events. The exhibition hall is comprised of 18,600 square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 2,000 guests for reception or theater style seating and more than 1,500 for banquet style seating.

The Conference Center at The Wharf is the largest of its kind on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Officials with the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) expect this new facility to have a tremendous impact on the area as the first meeting destination in the area to combine professional, resort and recreational opportunities in one central location.

Professional groups and organized clubs are drawn to the Alabama Gulf Coast for its beautiful beaches and area attractions that offer, not only recreational options for members during conference downtime, but a relaxing, scenic environment and pleasant, tropical climate. The Conference Center will lend itself to attracting new business that previously could not book in the area due to space or date availability.

Management

To manage the booking and production of events in The Conference Center and other facilities at The Wharf, The Wharf sought the experience and reputation of Showtime Events, one of the leading events management companies in the country. Through its partnership with Showtime Events, The Wharf is able to offer the most all inclusive meeting experience on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Showtime Events is a full service event production and entertainment company based in Raleigh, NC, Lansing, MI, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Orange Beach, AL. Showtime Events specializes in complete events management - from meeting and event booking and planning to production, audio and visual, decor, and entertainment services. Showtime Event’s specialists have been in the special events, entertainment and hospitality industries for over 20 years and are experienced professionals who can handle groups as small as 10 or as large as 10,000. More information about Showtime Events can be viewed at www.showtimeevents.net.

Resort

Registered guests of conferences or events at The Conference Center may take advantage of all amenities offered at The Wharf including, comfortable accommodations in waterfront condominiums; the area’s best shopping; more than 16 restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining; the on-site Rave Motion Picture movie theater; The Golf Club of The Wharf; or year-round live concerts in the 10,000-seat Amphitheater. Conference or event guests electing to stay in one of The Wharf’s waterfront condominiums will enjoy the on-site fitness center, back bay fishing charters with an Orvis-endorsed guide, and The Oasis private water retreat that features a zero-entry wave pool, the island’s largest lazy river, tiki bar and grill, hammock island, lush waterfalls, sandy beaches, and a children’s area.

Many of The Wharf’s restaurants, in addition to providing exclusive catering for The Conference Center, have on-site facilities that are capable of hosting event functions. The Outfitter Center at The Wharf provides another setting for group events with its private dining area open as well as its outdoor pavilion that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. The Amphitheater at The Wharf is available to host group events.

Contact

For more information on group events and meetings at The Wharf, contact Leigh Roberts at (908) 625-0563 or email LRoberts@ShowtimeEvents.net.

For all other general information and questions, contact The Wharf at (251) 224-1000, visit us online at www.TheWharfAL.com, or text ‘WHARF’ to TEXTME (839863).

The Fishing Corner

From Captain Robby Walker

--
April is not only the beginning of spring, but the kick off of Cobia season for our area. Cobia, or Ling as some of the old school captains call them, migrate along our coast from the last week in March to about the middle of May. We site fish for them using live bait or jigs. The average size is between 35 and 65 pounds so these are a lot of fun to catch on light tackle. April is also one of the best months for speckled trout fishing. We're catching most of the trout on free lined live shrimp, soft plastics and mirrolures. There are several other species we catch this time of year, such as pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and flounder. With the mild weather and great fishing opportunities April is a great time to get out and do some inshore fishing.


Book your inshore fishing charter with Captain Robby Walker by calling 251-233-3017 or email RobbyW@TheWharfAL.com TODAY!

Monday, March 23, 2009

MUSIC LEGENDS EARTH, WIND & FIRE AND CHICAGO KICK OFF TOUR AT THE WHARF

Music legends Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago announce their 2009 tour will kick off at The Amphitheater at The Wharf on Friday, June 5 as part of the Pepsi Star Series. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance are now on sale.

The Earth, Wind & Fire 11-piece band is among the most influential, commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands of the last three decades. Formed in 1969 in Chicago, Earth, Wind & Fire's 39-year history resulted in millions of albums sold worldwide and distinguished awards and accolades. Founding members: Maurice White (leader, vocalist, songwriter); Philip Bailey (lead vocalist, percussionist); Verdine White (bassist); Ralph Johnson (drummer and percussionist) have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and are credited with eight Grammy Awards, 20 Grammy nominations, four American Music Awards, honors from the NAACP, the BET Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To this day, Earth, Wind & Fire remains one of the top globally popular touring attractions with signature sound and distinctive musical styles that fuse pop, soul, jazz, rock n' roll, psychedelic, African roots music and disco with a base in funk.

Chicago has written, recorded and performed some of the most popular and musically innovative songs in rock history. Billboard Magazine positioned the band at #13 on their Hot 100 chart’s All-Time Top 100 – a byproduct of having sold more than 100,000,000 records and having earned 20 top hits, five number one albums, five number one singles and five gold singles. Chicago also won a Grammy Award, American Music Awards, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, had a downtown Chicago street renamed in their honor, and been celebrated with an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. An incredible 25 of their 30 albums have been certified platinum, and Chicago is the first American band to chart Top 40 albums in five decades. Through it all, Chicago remains a working band, touring continually since forming in 1967. On the philanthropic front, Chicago actively supports charities through their concert ticket sales.

Tickets for this concert are online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at The Amphitheater Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at The Dock Store at The Marina. Tickets are priced $75.00, $65.00, $45.00, and $25.00. Tickets purchased at The Wharf outlets will incur no Ticketmaster fees.

More information of upcoming concerts and events can be found by visiting www.thewharfal.com or text the word ‘WHARF’ to TEXT ME (839863) for all Wharf events.

Get the BEST Seats in The House!

Experience the 2009 Pepsi Start Concert Series at The Amphitheater at The Wharf from the best seats in the house. The Premium Seating program (PS) at The Amphitheater at The Wharf offers box seating with tickets for every concert in the 2009 Pepsi Star Concert Series, and includes VIP amenities such as:

• advance ticket purchase opportunities for additional tickets
• dedicated parking for all concerts in the convenient VIP parking area
• VIP pre-parties
• personal wait service for your box
• convenient ticket mailing
• regular updates of upcoming events at The wharf

Boxes come with four, six or eight seats, and provide the perfect opportunity to entertain clients, reward employees, or simply enjoy a night out with friends and family. Never again worry about missing a sold-out show and take advantage of easy parking.

PS at The Amphitheater at The Wharf also offers season packages. Purchasing season tickets guarantees reservation of the same seats at every concert in the 2009 Pepsi Start Concert Series.

The 2009 Pepsi Star Series promises to be the best yet at The Amphitheater at The Wharf. Check this initial lineup that includes something for everyone, and look for more great concerts to be announced:

COREY SMITH with special guest Rhett Akins
March 14, 2009

WIDESPREAD PANIC with special guests Keller Williams and Pretty Lights
April 17, 2009

WIDESPREAD PANIC with special guests North Mississippi Allstars and Pretty Lights
April 18, 2009

WIDESPREAD PANIC with special guests The Avett Brothers and DJ J-Boogie (OM)
April 19, 2009

311 with Hinder and Theory of a Deadman
May 8, 2009

SUGARLAND with Billy Currington and Matt Nathanson
May 15, 2009

CHICAGO / EARTH, WIND AND FIRE
June 5, 2009

STYX / REO SPEEDWAGON

MONTGOMERY GENTRY during 4TH ANNUAL “FOURTH AT THE WHARF” July 4, 2009

KENNY CHESNEY with special guests Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum
August 6, 2009


A limited number of box seats are still available, so act fast to reserve your seat. Find out more about Premium Seating at The Amphitheater at The Wharf -- Contact Cindy Lovelace, Director of Premium Seating and Sponsorships at 251-224-1022 or CindyL@TheWharfAL.com.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Gulf Coast’s Premier 4th of July Celebration Continues


Gulf Coast’s Premier 4th of July Celebration Continues
at The Wharf


The Gulf Coast’s premier 4th of July celebration will continue this year with The Wharf’s 4th Annual “Fourth at The Wharf” event. What has been called the largest and most spectacular celebration in the Southeast, this annual event has become a tradition for local residents and vacationers. Each year, thousands fill The Amphitheater at The Wharf for an evening of rousing, patriotic entertainment. This year, The Wharf has partnered with Grammy nominated, country sensation Montgomery Gentry for a live concert at The Amphitheater at The Wharf on Saturday, July 4th as a part of The Wharf’s Pepsi Star Series. The concert will include a live performance by the country duo, as well as patriotic songs and dedications. The “Fourth at The Wharf” presents the grandest fireworks extravaganza on the coastal Panhandle, and this Fourth will be no exception. The fireworks’ display schedule is being kept unannounced and confidential, adding an exciting surprise for the concert audience, visitors, and residents of The Wharf.

Tickets for this event go on sale in the coming weeks and may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at The Amphitheater Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at The Dock Store at The Marina. All tickets purchased at The Wharf outlets will incur no Ticketmaster fees.

Main Street at The Wharf will be filled with festive activities all day on July 4th. Local radio favorite WKSJ is sponsoring a hot dog eating contest, and the Orange Beach Fire Department is hosting games throughout the day. The Wharf is home to over 15 restaurants -- all joining in for the celebration of our Nations’ birthday through the holiday weekend with fun events and delectable specials.

In the spirit of the celebration, vacation rental guests of The Wharf’s Levin’s Bend condominiums during the Fourth at The Wharf holiday may be eligible for FREE nights and/or FREE tickets to the Fourth at The Wharf event. Guests choosing to spend the week at The Wharf will receive two nights FREE if booking a seven night stay, in addition to FREE concert tickets (limited to two per bedroom up to eight total). Guests choosing to come just for the weekend, will receive FREE concert tickets (limited to two per bedroom up to eight total). Staying at The Wharf provides a hassle-free and affordable vacation where one can park the car, experience the best resort amenities on the Gulf Coast, and leave with money still in the wallet Details for these holiday vacation packages can be obtained online at www.thewharfal.com or by calling a reservationist at 251-224-1500.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

SPRING FEVER HITS THE WHARF!


SPRING FEVER HITS THE WHARF!

Cold weather be gone – The Wharf is ready for Spring. With the start of March, warm weather is finally back at the Gulf Coast and with that comes some of the HOTTEST news and excitement on the Gulf Coast.

First, The Wharf Rental Management Company is running what might be the HOTTEST spring break special on the island.

WHARF SPRING BREAK PACKAGE let’s you chose from:

Stay 3, get the 4th Night FREE
Stay 4, get the 5th Night FREE
Stay 5, get the 6th AND 7th Nights FREE
PLUS FREE Corey Smith Tickets! (valid with March 14th stay only)

*Valid for reservations March 1 thru April 20, 2009. Seasonal Rates Apply. Available while supplies last. 3 night minimum required. Not valid with any other offers or previously booked reservations. All reservations subject to a refundable damage deposit due at check-in.

Call toll free 1-866-864-0937 to book a Spring Break Vacation Package at The Wharf today!

Speaking of Spring Break, don’t forget that Corey Smith and special guest Rhett Akins are playing at The Amphitheater at The Wharf, Saturday, March 14th. Both guys are special friends of The Wharf. Corey thrilled the crowds last spring break with a concert and is coming back for an encore show. Rhett opened for Hank Williams at The Amphitheater’s very first concert Memorial Day weekend 2006, and for Montgomery Gentry at their 4th of July show in 2007. Rhett also performed on the Boardwalk for The Wharf’s Summer Solstice event last summer. If their sell out performance at Chastain Park in Atlanta is any indication, this show should be incredible. And the great news – tickets are only $20!

While we’re on the subject of all things incredible, you cannot miss the newest adventure activity on the island. Now the Ferris Wheel is not the only “must do” for every beach trip. The Adventure Zone is coming to The Wharf in April. Get an aerial view of The Wharf as you zip across Main Street on the Adventure Zip Line. Then challenge yourself on the Sky Trail ropes course (pictured above). Construction is currently underway so be sure to stop and check out the progress.


The Adventure Zone is not the only new thing coming to The Wharf. Rum Runners – the famous dueling piano bar and grill - will open up this spring. The Wharf will make the fifth location for Rum Runners. Never been to one – check it out online at www.rumrunners.com.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sugarland Brings Their Love On The Inside Tour to The Wharf











2008 Grammy winner for “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group,” Sugarland announced they are bringing their Love On The Inside Tour to The Amphitheater at The Wharf on Friday, May 15th as a part of Pepsi Star Series. Showtime for the concert is 8 p.m.

At the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards, the duo Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush were honored with the “Song and Single of the Year” for the acoustic sensation “Stay.” Nettles made history by being the only female artist to have solo-written the ACM “Song Of The Year.” "Stay" also won song of the year the Country Music Association Awards. Their album Love On The Inside, released July ’08, has sold over a million copies to date.

Also appearing on stage May 15th is Billy Currington who has been nominated for both ACM and CMA awards. His success in country music also includes #1 singles, “Hottest Video of the Year” at the 2006 CMT Music Awards, and recently chosen as an “On The Verge” artist by USA Today. Currington’s albums Doin’ Somethin’ Right and Little Bit Of Everything both debuted at #2 on the country charts. Currington recently acquired his third #1 hit with the first single of his newest album “Don’t.”

VH1 You Oughta Know artist Matt Nathanson will also perform at the upcoming concert. His current single “Come On Get Higher” from his latest album, Some Mad Hope, having sold 743,000 track downloads, named iTunes #2 Pop Song of 2008, currently has 14 million plays on MySpace, 1.5 million views on YouTube.com, and a cover of his track was included on Sugarland’s Love On The Inside (Deluxe Fan Edition).

Ticket prices for this concert range from $60.50 to $26, and tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Saturday, March 7th online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at The Amphitheater Box Office Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at The Dock Store at The Marina. Tickets purchased at The Wharf outlets will incur no Ticketmaster fees. More announcements of upcoming concerts are available at www.thewharfal.com or by texting the word ‘WHARF’ to TEXT ME (839863) for all Wharf events.