SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — Concert promoters are working to give Spring Breakers a first-of-its-kind experience in March on South Padre Island: a 360-degree video concert.
William Pletch, head of logistics for Hector Ortiz Promotions, recently presented plans to the Cameron County Commissioners Court to set up a dome at the north flats at Andy Bowie County Park.
Once inside, concertgoers would see videos projected on the surface of the ceiling of the dome during the music performance, he said.
“It immerses you in the event itself,” he said. “It’s never been done in the city at all. It provides a safe environment.”
Commissioners voted to allow county staff to enter contract negotiations for the event with Hector Ortiz Promotions.
Pletch said the dome, which is air conditioned, is 200 feet long and 156 feet wide with a capacity of up to 5,000 people. It will be a ticketed event with an emergency exit plan, and no outside alcohol will be allowed.
The company is asking to reserve the north flats for March 15-17, with four days needed to set up the dome infrastructure and two days to tear it down and clean up the site.
He said 360-video domes have been used at the Country Music Awards, and Pletch will take one to an event at the Super Bowl.
Pletch told commissioners the company plans to bring rapper Lil’ Wayne to perform and is looking into booking a country musician as well.
“We want to provide a little variety of music rather than the same thing everyone is doing along the beach,” he said.
The company has offered $8,000 in rental fees to the county and projects attendance will be 7,000 to 10,000 people per day, according to a document submitted to the commission.
Joe Vega, Cameron County Parks and Recreation director, told commissioners parking plans will be part of contract negotiations.
