25 acts for 25 years: Here are some of Bon Secours Wellness Arena’s most memorable shows
Those are some tough acts to follow. | Photos via Bon Secours Wellness Arena
From opening its doors as the BI-LO Center on September 3, 1998, to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena we know today, we’re celebrating 25 years of our favorite arena with a list of 25 acts that have taken its stage over the years.
There have been thousands of shows with 12+ million fans in attendance over the past quarter-century, and we want to know your favorite performances (whether they landed on this list or not). Bonus points for photos.
Janet Jackson
The world-famous R&B performer was the first artist to hit the stage on September 3, 1998.
Elton John
Elton John was no stranger to Greenville crowds. | Photo via Bon Secours Wellness Arena
The Rocket Man has brought several tours to Greenville, but his first performance at this venue was on September 30, 1998.
Britney Spears
She’s We’re so lucky. The pop superstar performed her hits on the arena stage on April 6, 2000.
Tina Turner
On October 11, 2000, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll played the BI-LO Center.
*NSYNC
It ain’t no lie. Justin, JC, Lance, Joey, and Chris brought their legendary moves on October 20, 2000.
Hootie & The Blowfish
This SC-born band has made several stops in Greenville over the years, but the performance on April 20, 2004 also featured Greenvillian Edwin McCain.
Billy Joel
The Piano Man rocked the arena on February 17, 2007.
Taylor Swift
If you had tickets to the “Fearless Tour” on September 4, 2009, we think you should automatically get a presale code for The Eras Tour.
Prince
City Editor Stephanie still raves about this show. | Photo via Bon Secours Wellness Arena
When we asked your favorite shows to ever play the arena, Prince was a popular answer. He performed on March 28, 2011.
Paul McCartney
This rock legend performed songs from his time in The Beatles + Wings, plus his solo career, on May 30, 2019.
Greenville Country Music Fest | Friday, Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 22 | Times vary | CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, 861 SE Main St., Simpsonville | $65-$175 | Throw on your cowboy boots and get ready for headliners including Cody Johnson, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, and more.
The Brewery Comedy Tour | Friday, Oct. 20 | 9-10:30 p.m. | Thomas Creek Brewery, 2054 Piedmont Hwy., Greenville | $13-$20 | Spend your weekend laughing as this nationwide tour makes a stop in Greenville.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Family Friendly Halloween Party | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 11 a.m. | Southernside Brewing Co., 25 Delano Dr., Greenville | Free entry | Celebrate Halloween with a costume party, candy, and entertainment for all ages.
Turkish Food Festival | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Graham Plaza, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | Free entry | Feast on a variety of Mediterranean food, salads, kababs, baked goods, homemade bread + pastries, desserts, and hot dishes.
2023 Greenville Craft Beer Festival | Saturday, Oct. 21 | 12-4 p.m. | Fluor Field, 945 S. Main St., Greenville | $20-$85 | Sip on your choice of 100 beers and enjoy live music at this 10th annual festival.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 1:30-5 p.m. | Historic Hampton-Pinckney Neighborhood, Hampton Ave. and Pinckney St., Greenville | Free | Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of music and community showcasing 20+ musical performances on 12 historic porches in the Hampton-Pinckney neighborhood.
Howl-O-Ween Pawty | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 2-7 p.m. | The Community Tap, 217 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville | $5 donation | Get your furry friends ready for the doggy costume contest benefiting Pet Tender Angels dog rescue.
Celtic Thunder: Odyssey | Sunday, Oct. 22 | 7 p.m. | Peace Center, 300 S. Main St., Greenville | $40-$70 | Explore Irish music and culture through a new show from this internationally-acclaimed group.
Celebrate 35 years of the South Carolina State Museum
Presented by a GVLtoday Partner
The State Museum’s iconic megalodon replica, “Finn,” is all dressed up for the museum’s birthday. | Photo provided by the South Carolina State Museum
SCSM is celebrating the big 3-5 on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with free general admission for visitors, plus:
Shag + swing dance performances
Bluegrass and jazz sets, and the Claflin University Concert Choir
Behind-the-scenes tours
Opening of the new exhibition “The Story of Us”
Re-opening of the Cotton Mill Exchange museum shop
Visitors can also enjoy delicious local bites + an outdoor cash bar offering a selection of beverages (including non-alcoholic options). Pro tip for craft beer lovers: Try “Finns Up,” a specialty brew designed for the museum.
White Wine & Butter is moving, saying it has outgrown its kitchen at Cartwright Food Hall. The restaurant says it will share the details about its relocation soon and will pause service after brunch on Sunday, Oct. 29. Read the full statement.
Coming Soon
Whataburger is eyeing a location at 1466 Woodruff Rd. (the former KFC building). The Post and Courier Greenville spoke with someone from the Texas-based chain who said they are still pursuing the location on Laurens Road, which was denied a permit by the city zoning board.
Development
Designs for PKL Park — a pickleball complex + restaurant development planned near Unity Park — were approved by the City of Greenville Design Review Board. The city also named Mark V Studios — a historic recording studio — a local landmark, which developers plan to restore as part of the plans.
Biz
Lumos — a Wi-Fi service provider — announced it’s expanding into Greenville County + investing $100 million to build 775+ miles of its wireless network in Greenville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and beyond. Engineering work and construction will begin in 2024. Sign up for updates. (Business Wire)
Number
$100 million. That’s how much Keurig Dr Pepper, a hot and cold beverages producer, will invest in its Spartanburg County facility. It will create 250 new manufacturing and distribution jobs by 2027. (Upstate Business Journal)
Outdoors
The Orionids meteor shower — which results from earth passing through particles following Halley’s Comet — will peak this weekend. If you want to see the spectacular show, find an open area to look at the sky after midnight and right before dawn on Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22. (USA Today)
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Community
Table sponsorships and individual tickets are now available for the YMCA of Greenville’s Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast presented by HomeTrust Bank. The event is happening Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Caine Halter Family YMCA and features keynote speaker Drew Brannon, Ph.D., performance psychologist and partner at AMPLOS. Learn more + snag tickets.*
Drink
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With all of the research I’ve been doing for this iconic acts round-up, this shirt keeps popping up as a targeted Facebook ad. While I’ve only lived in Greenville long enough to know it as Bon Secours Wellness Arena, I married someone who still calls it the BI-LO Center. ICYMI, it’s keeping its current name through 2029.
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