30 Years Ago: Amazing Concert Lineup at the Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Remember the Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach? This place was the go-to spot for outdoor concerts in Maine, launching live music in 1986. It wasn’t just a ballpark; it was a musical haven where some of the biggest names in the music industry rocked the stage. From classic rock legends to pop icons, the Ballpark hosted it all.

Back in the day, the Ballpark wasn’t just about baseball. The real magic happened when the sun went down and the stage lights came up. Maybe you remember those warm summer nights, a cold drink in hand, and your favorite band playing live just a stone’s throw from the beach. It was the ultimate summer vibe.

I randomly felt inspired to go back and look at all of the amazing shows that happened there. 30 years ago, the summer of 1994 might have been their best lineup ever. Consisting mostly of big classic rock acts, it was all killer, no filler.

6/13/94 - Meatloaf (setlist)

7/2/94 - Moody Blues (setlist)

7/3/93 - Phish (setlist)

7/15/94 - Spin Doctors, Gin Blossoms, Cracker (setlist)

7/16/94 - Steve Miller Band (setlist)

7/23/94 - Peter Frampton

8/6/94 - John Mellencamp

8/7/94 - Traffic (setlist)

8/19/94 - Horde Festival: Blues Traveler, Allman Brothers, Sheryl Crow

8/22/94 - Aerosmith, Collective Soul (setlist)

8/25/94 - Michael Bolton

So what happened? Why did the Ballpark stop being the epicenter of Maine’s outdoor concert scene? Well, a few things contributed. First, there were financial struggles. Maintaining a venue like that isn’t cheap, and with fewer events bringing in the big bucks, it became harder to keep up.

The main cause, from my recollection, was the noise complaints from the neighbors. I always try to play devil’s advocate, but it’s always hard in these situations. I’m a hardcore live music fan, and I never understood why some of the locals couldn’t either enjoy it or put up with it a couple of nights a week in the summertime. But that’s just my opinion.

Despite the end of an amazing run with 311 performing the final show on August 21, 1997, the Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach remains a cherished memory for many of us Mainers. It was a place where unforgettable summer nights were spent, and for that, I raise a $5 beer (the average price back then) to amazing memories at the Ballpark.

What was your favorite show at the Ballpark?