The venue opened in 1981 as a temporary structure known as the "Harbor Lights Concert Pavilion",[1] with a capacity of 3,133. In 1990, the City of Baltimore enlisted Future Tents Limited (now known as FTL Associates) to create a permanent structure. The $4.9 million renovation was completed in July 1991, now known as the "Pier Six Concert Pavilion", with an increased capacity of 4,341.[2] In 2004, the venue was briefly known as the "Cavalier Telephone Pavilion",[3] until the City restored its original name in 2006.[4]
On November 30, 2016, a contract was approved to allow Live Nation and SMG co-operate Pier Six for up to 10 years.[5] As part of the agreement, the pavilion underwent a $4 million renovation that includes the installation of a new tent and seats.[6] Following renovations, the venue capacity was increased to 4,600.[7]
The naming rights of the venue were sold to the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore in April 2018, effectively changing its name to "MECU Pavilion."[8]