Birmingham approves funding for Uptown amphitheater

Birmingham approves funding for Uptown amphitheater

The Birmingham City Council this morning approved the city’s share of funding for a planned new $50 million, 9,000-seat amphitheater at the site of the demolished former Carraway hospital.

The city approved $5 million toward the cost of building The Star at Uptown amphitheater in North Birmingham, north of Protective Stadium.

The amphitheater will complement the Uptown entertainment district that already features the new Protective Stadium, a refurbished BJCC Legacy Arena, TopGolf, the Westin and Sheraton hotels and a variety of restaurants.

The Jefferson County Commission is expected to vote on also contributing $5 million in funding to the amphitheater project.

Corporate Realty plans to turn the former hospital campus into a multi-use development complete with office, retail, entertainment, hotel and residential space.

That includes the planned amphitheatre that will be managed by Live Nation, which currently manages the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham. If plans for funding the amphitheater go through, Live Nation plans to shutter Oak Mountain Amphitheatre and begin booking concerts for the downtown Birmingham venue when it is completed.

The Uptown amphitheater is expected to host a minimum of 17 to 19 concerts a year, which will help the city get a return on its investment, city officials have said.

The council passed a slate of projects proposed earlier this month by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin as part of $26 million investment in new and existing city facilities.

The planned CrossPlex Village Family Fun Center, announced last year with a plan for a skating rink, jump park and bowling lanes, will get $15 million for design and construction on the site of the former Fair Park.

Legion Field, the historic football stadium which hosts the annual Magic City Classic, will get $4 million for renovations.

Rickwood Field, the historic baseball stadium, will get $2 million in renovations.

The council also approved a five percent cost of living increase for city employees.

See also: Birmingham mayor proposes funds for amphitheater, CrossPlex, Legion Field, Rickwood

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