Fifteen years ago, in 1989, the Deer Creek Music Center opened on what was formerly corn and soybean fields in Hamilton County, bringing a large outdoor music venue to serve Central Indiana.

Now, the Verizon Wireless Music Center (as it was renamed in 2001) continues to bring pop music’s top names to the Hoosier state. This year, the list of performers ranges from Britney Spears to Aerosmith to Toby Keith to Ozzfest.

There are a few changes to the facility for 2004, additions made to enhance the concertgoing experience. First of all, concertgoers have a better chance at snagging a coveted lower pavilion seat to shows. VWMC has added 184 additional seats to the lower pavilion, says Clear Channel-Indianapolis publicity director Andy Wilson.

“It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the pavilion holds roughly 6,000 seats. When you throw in another 184 seats in the lower area, it’s significant,” Wilson says. “We noticed that we had extra space in the lower pavilion. We moved the rows slightly closer together and a little bit up. It allowed us to add a couple rows at the back of the house.”

The facility has also added additional points of sale for beer, frozen drinks and soft drinks. “When you have a facility that can hold 24,000 people, anything that makes the lines shorter is helpful,” Wilson says. “It will let people get their drinks and get back to their seat quicker. They’re there to see the show and not stand in line.”

Just like last year, the venue has included the $3 parking fee in the ticket prices to each event. “Last year was the first season we did that,” Wilson says, “and we got lots of feedback from people who liked that. They got into the venue quicker without having to dig in their purses or wallets for parking.” Festival shows such as Ozzfest and the Warped Tour are an exception to that general rule. Separate parking fees will be charged for those shows.

As far as driving to VWMC, while Interstate 69 North or South to Exit 10 is the most common rout there, there are several other possibilities, some of which can save you time and frustration. Olio Road (east of I-69) can lead you to the venue by going north (from Indy/Fishers area) to State Road 238. Turn left onto 238 off Olio and approximately 1.5 miles west to VWMC. You can reach Olio Road from 116th and 126th streets. Brooks School Road (west of I-69) can lead you to the venue by going north to State Road 238. Turn right onto 238 and go approximately .5 miles east to VWMC. You can reach Brooks School Road from 116th and 126th Streets. State Road 37 North (from Indy) or South (if coming from the North) can also be used. Turn onto State Road 238 (just Southeast of Noblesville) off of Highway 37. Go approximately 5 miles east to the venue. And Boden Road can be used to get to the venue from the North off of State Road 38.