Reserved seating reduces 'Gopher Run' space at Craven

The promoters of the annual Craven country music event, recently rebranded as Country Thunder, have added two new premium spaces for the festival.

Described as reserved and platinum, the tickets for those spaces which are closer to the main stage cost more than a regular general admission seat and include a number of amenities.

The general admission area, known as the gopher run, is a bit further away from the stage. In the past, many eager concert-goers would line up to claim a good spot and stake their ground with blankets and lawn chairs.

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The promoters note the new platinum space provides access to a cash bar and VIP washrooms, among other things. They also said that anyone who had already bought a general admission ticket may upgrade to a reserved spot.

A general admission ticket for the four-day long event is $185. The premium reserved seats are $425 and the platinum seats are $600.

The new approach, to include reserved seating areas, has attracted some criticism on social media where people have noted the price gap.

The show is set for July 13 to 17 on dedicated grounds near Craven, Sask., northwest of Regina.