New amphitheater leads city to put up ‘No Loitering’ signs on Lee Bridge

After seeing people using the Lee Bridge as a perch for watching concerts at the new Allianz Amphitheater, Richmond officials are trying to clamp down by putting up new “No Loitering” signs on the bridge.

The new signs were put up on both sides of the bridge, and extend to the northbound offramp closest to the amphitheater.

City officials said the signs were installed at the request of the Richmond Police Department.

“Following the opening of the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, a Fourth Precinct patrol sergeant observed individuals gathered on the Lee Bridge sidewalk during several performances,” said RPD spokesman James Mercante. “As the Lee Bridge is an active roadway, these individuals pose a safety threat to themselves and motorists. These individuals, many sitting on folding chairs, were also obstructing the free passage on the sidewalk to others, as well.”

The amphitheater’s location in a highly visible part of the city has drawn crowds of onlookers trying to see or hear musical performances without buying a ticket to get into the venue itself.

In what appear to be other attempts to crack down on that type of activity, black coverings have been put up over the fencing surrounding the amphitheater and dozens of no trespassing signs have been put on trees just off the public sidewalk on South 2nd Street, between the Virginia War Memorial and the amphitheater.

The loss of access to a public parking lot near Belle Isle on concert days has sparked some concern that the amphitheater is eroding public space, but RPD said the signs on the bridge are a safety measure to “deter people from gathering in these dangerous areas.”

“The RPD urges people not to gather on the sidewalk of the Lee Bridge out of concerns about safety, and to allow for the free passage on the sidewalk for others,” Mercante said.

Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at gmoomaw@richmonder.org