In 1990, the Montage Mountain Ski Area began to host music festivals to bring in additional revenue during the resort's off season. A temporary stage with open lawn seating was opened on July 3, 1992, with a concert by Chubby Checker. Known as Montage Mountain Amphitheater, the popularity of the venue placed Scranton as a secondary market within the concert industry. In 1994, the resort teamed up with Metropolitan Entertainment further expand its concert season. The temporary staging remained, however, bleacher-style seating was added in addition to the lawn . The capacity grew from 5,000 to 16,000 along with a name change, the Montage Mountain Performing Arts Center.