After a two-year hiatus, the Y-Live concert series made its return, this time at an open Wean Park venue, drawing people near and far to downtown Youngstown.

JAC Management told 21 News more than 20,000 people made their way through the gates.

The venue opened with special guest performances from Mitchell Tenpenny and Riley Green, with headliner Luke Bryan taking the stage just after 9 p.m.

21 News spoke with a number of people that said they're happy to see such big acts in Youngstown.

"It means everything to the area. It brings good business to Youngstown, a massive crowd, it's just good for the city," Valley native Seth McMillion said.

Local restaurants and bars said they were ready for all the extra foot traffic and business.

Owners of The Federal, Avalon Pizzeria and Whistle and Keg told 21 News prior to the concert that they were ready for people to try their food and find out what restaurants and bars in the downtown area have to offer. A lot of spots said they extended their hours to accommodate those going to the concert, staying open until 2:30 a.m.

After a few COVID-related delays in 2020 and 2021, some concert go-ers had waited years to see Bryan play downtown. A lot of people had tickets to the concert for the last two years while others just got tickets days in advance.

"We bought our tickets back in 2020 and it got canceled. We waited for the 2021 show and it got canceled," Shannon Freedy said. "We ended up buying tickets to see him in Vegas in February and when he put the show on here, we decided to come and see him here too."

A number of people told 21 News they were just happy to be out in the environment and having a good time, enjoying what felt like pre-pandemic vibes.

"People just need to get back out there. I think it's good for everyone," Gary Winthrop said.