Most venues, once you're in, you're in. Not here. Cool off in the casino, get a beer, then come back out.”

Paul Dockendorf, the casino's Entertainment Manager

For the full schedule and ticket availability, check Treasure Island’s official event listings.

Parking is Free

Treasure Island Resort & Casino
5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd
Welch, MN 55089
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Just a short drive from downtown Hastings, nestled against the scenic backdrop of the Mississippi River, Treasure Island Resort and Casino's outdoor amphitheater has quietly become one of Minnesota's top-tier music venues. And the guy pulling the strings behind it all is Hastings' own Paul Dockendorf, the casino's Entertainment Manager, who has spent decades on both sides of the stage.
"I've been in the entertainment business since 1999," Dockendorf said, like it was no big deal. But it is. His journey began as a high school kid hanging out at First Avenue, meeting tour managers and musicians, building relationships, and eventually getting a shot selling merch on tour. One tour led to another, and 15 years later, he'd seen the world, worked with Korn and Slipknot, and built a contact list that rivals any major promoter.
That experience now powers Treasure Island's growing reputation as a serious music destination in the Midwest.
"I got off the road in 2016 and started booking shows locally," Dockendorf said. "I came to Treasure Island in 2019, took over all of entertainment in 2022, and it has been non-stop ever since."
The amphitheater itself is impressive. At full capacity, it can hold exactly 17,293 fans, including over 9,500 reserved seats with standing room stretching across the expansive lawn. There is also the Michelob Ultra Zone, a VIP-style area with shaded decks, private bars, bathrooms, and catered food.
"It’s an upgrade, yeah," Dockendorf said, "but honestly, there's not really a bad seat in this place."
The venue is built smart. The acoustics are sharp and clean, helped by a natural buffer of trees behind the stage. "It sounds fantastic here," Dockendorf said. "Especially when it's full, the sound just soaks in instead of bouncing back at you. It's a dream space."
Every detail gets attention. Hammocks under the stage for the crew. Air-conditioned artist trailers with private bathrooms. A dedicated catering setup. "If the artist is comfortable, it shows in the performance," Dockendorf said. "If they're stressed over dumb stuff like a burger not being cooked right, that shows too."
Dockendorf books acts the old-school way. Treasure Island is not backed by Live Nation, so he makes the calls himself.
"Carrie Underwood? I just called the agent and said I want her at Treasure Island," he said. "We negotiated the deal, waited for the routing to line up, and made it happen. She was playing Iowa that weekend, so it was perfect."
The booking process is a game of holds, challenges, and timing. "You send available dates. They ask for a hold. If you're first, you get first right to confirm. If you're second and the first drops, you move up. Sometimes they challenge the hold, and you've got 48 hours to lock it in or lose it."
Dockendorf was managing this summer's concert season while planning next year at the same time. "I'm always looking a year ahead," he said. "Big shows take time. I've got artists holding six dates each for next summer already."
This summer was packed. Creed played to a sold-out crowd, the biggest in the venue's history. Santana played an indoor show after arriving with a full arena setup in March. More shows were on the way, with Halestorm, Lindsey Stirling, and Apocalyptica scheduled to close out the season in September.
"Lindsey’s going to be flying around with her violin," Dockendorf said. "It's going to be wild."
One of the season's highlights was the second year of Music by the Mississippi, a two-day festival that highlighted Midwest talent. The headliners included Soul Asylum, Shane Smith and the Saints, and Shakey Graves.
"Anyone with a Treasure Island player's card could come for free," Dockendorf said. "Show your card, get two tickets. We just wanted people to come down and see what we do."
Festival tickets were a fraction of what fans would pay elsewhere. "St. Paul Yacht Club started at $189. You could spend $70 and see a full weekend of music here," Dockendorf said. "We're the most affordable venue in the metro. That's by design."
Add free parking, the ability to leave and return, and a casino next door, and the experience became even more attractive. "Most venues, once you're in, you're in. Not here. Cool off in the casino, get a beer, then come back out."
Dockendorf reflected on how much concerts have changed. "Ticketing is totally different now. It used to be you stood in line for a ticket. Now you can buy one in bed on your phone. It's convenient, but I miss ticket stubs. We'll still print them if people want."
Cell phones are everywhere now, too. "Used to be lighters. Now it's phones. Everyone's filming instead of watching. It takes away from the live experience, but it's also free promo. Someone posts a video and suddenly their friend drives down to buy a ticket."
Some artists still ban phones entirely. "Adam Sandler did. We used Yondr bags for that show. Most artists just ask us to stop anyone filming the whole thing."
Weather remains the wild card. "Every show is rain or shine. If we see lightning within 10 miles, we stop. We decide if we need to evacuate. Most of the time, we wait it out and bring people back."
Duran Duran chose to cancel in 2022 due to safety concerns with the old stage. "They were older guys. One had a replaced hip. It was wet and they didn't want to risk it. We refunded everyone."
Moving a show indoors is rare. The indoor venue only fits 2,500. Judas Priest is the only act that has ever made the move. "We sold about 1,000 tickets, so we moved it inside. Took the stage down, trucked the gear in, and set it up in 20 minutes."
Dockendorf's background on the road shaped how he runs things now. "I toured with Korn and Slipknot for years as a road manager. My job now is just the other side of that. Make sure everything runs smooth so the artists can focus on the show."
It is not just about logistics. It is about energy. "If they have a good day back there, the crowd will feel it. You don't want the performer to be worried about nonsense."
Music by the Mississippi is a branding focus, and Dockendorf hopes people return for future editions. "This venue is gorgeous. You get the river, the bluffs, and the sky turns purple at night. It is unreal."
Looking ahead, he wants to move the festival away from the crowded July calendar. "August or September next year. Maybe just a Saturday. We want it to grow the right way."
At the end of the day, Dockendorf says it is about giving people a good time without breaking the bank.
"Saturday, you could get nine hours of music for $35. If you wanted to splurge, front row was $75. That was still a deal. We just want people to come down, hear some great music, and feel like they got their money’s worth. That’s what matters."
Tickets for Upcoming Shows
There are still several major shows left on the calendar this season at Treasure Island’s amphitheater. Upcoming acts include country stars Trace Adkins and Travis Tritt, rock powerhouse Halestorm, electric violinist and performance artist Lindsey Stirling, and symphonic metal veterans Apocalyptica. Lindsey Stirling’s show promises a high-energy, acrobatic performance that combines classical music with modern dance and stunning visuals.
To buy tickets, visit the Treasure Island Resort and Casino box office or go online via Ticketmaster. Tickets can be purchased digitally, but hard copy stubs are also available upon request for fans who like keepsakes.
Parking is free, the venue allows re-entry, and general admission and reserved seating options remain available for most shows. For the full schedule and ticket availability, check Treasure Island’s official event listings.