EXCLUSIVE: Bartlett confirms Rock the South considering move to Good Hope

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Map created by resident Scott Edmondson shows the area in Good Hope (outlined in green) being considered as the new location for Rock the South.

Updated 12-17-18 at 2:56 p.m.

CULLMAN – Rock the South might be changing locations. The Tribune has learned that Premier Productions, which owns the annual self-proclaimed "biggest party in the South," is searching for a new home for the behemoth event, with hopes of purchasing property somewhere in Cullman County.

One location being considered is in the city of Good Hope on approximately 120 acres on County Road 616 near Interstate 65.

"They are considering us, but they are considering other places, too," said Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett. "We would hate to see this concert leave Cullman County, because it makes a lot of money for all of us."

Shared Bartlett, "As everyone knows, Rock the South has outgrown Heritage Park. They are looking and considering looking for a place of their own. I saw a Facebook post where it said to put it at the Burrow property (on County Road 222). The Burrow property is owned by the City of Cullman. Rock the South would like to have a place of their own. Before anything like this were to happen, there has to be soil samples and they have to be sure it can fit on the property and the property is conducive. There has to be a lot of planning done to make sure this is feasible."

Monday morning, resident Scott Edmondson took to Facebook to express his concerns over the property in Good Hope:

Bartlett, however, reiterated that Rock the South organizers are taking into account roadways and access, saying, "They're not going to want a piece of property that they can't use and they can't get 50,000 people in and out of."

The Cullman Tribune has confirmed that Rock the South has not signed a location contract for its 2019 show, which is set for May 31-June 1.

Early Monday afternoon, Rock the South issued the following statement:

Over the past couple of years, Rock the South has looked at various pieces of property all over Cullman County for a possible venue change for Rock the South. 

Any possible location undergoes a strenuous examination process including soil testing, wetlands survey, traffic studies, public safety engagement, resident engagement, and much more. Initial testing has been done on multiple pieces of property this year (and other years) within Cullman County. At this point, studies are still being completed on multiple pieces of property.

We appreciate your continuous support and are excited to announce the biggest lineup ever for Rock the South 2019 soon!

Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism (CPRST) Executive Director Nathan Anderson said his department has no comment at this time. Rock the South has been held at Heritage Park, a part of CPRST, yearly since 2012.

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