Roadrunner (venue)

The Roadrunner is a concert venue in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. Since its opening on March 15, 2022, the Roadrunner has been the largest general admission concert venue in New England, with a capacity of 3,500. The venue is named after Jonathan Richman's song "Roadrunner".

History

In October 1976, American rock band The Modern Lovers released the song "Roadrunner". Written by Jonathan Richman, the song details the freedom he feels while driving alone, specifically in Boston suburbs. Richman has described the song as an ode to Massachusetts Route 128. Elsewhere, it has been described as "one of the most magical songs in existence" and has had a significant influence on the culture of Massachusetts, with it even being proposed as the official rock song of the state.

On April 1, 2019, construction began on a new venue at 89 Guest Street. After significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue was opened on March 15, 2022, with a concert by American bluegrass artist Billy Strings. It was given the name Roadrunner as a tribute to Jonathan Richman's song.

Size

With a capacity of 3,500, the venue is the largest general admission concert venue in New England.

The entire venue is 50,000 square feet (approximately 4,645 square meters) in total. Standing at 60 feet wide, the stage itself has been labeled "arena-sized".

Transportation and parking

The Roadrunner is located at Boston Landing station, part of the MBTA's Framingham/Worcester Line. Alternatively, the Green Line train stops at the Allston Street and Harvard Avenue stations, which, when walking, are approximately 15 minutes away from the venue.

There is no parking area for cars at the Roadrunner, though the venue lists 71, 40, and 80 Guest Street as recommended parking garages.

Concerts

Notes

References