Raleigh to build downtown amphitheater

The Raleigh City Council approved funding today to build an outdoor amphitheater downtown, one of the final components of the city's investment in revitalizing the area.

The city hopes to partner with Live Nation, a concert promoter that also runs acts at the city-run Walnut Creek amphitheater, to bring 20 acts a year on weekend nights in the spring, summer and early fall to the space next to the Raleigh Convention Center, said City Manager Russell Allen.

The total cost of the amphitheater will be $2.6 million in public money, but the city hopes to recoup some of that cost from acts leasing the space. Allen also said the city is open to having a business sponsor the amphitheater, which could further reduce costs. In a vote today, the council allocated $1.6 million from a reserve fund to build the amphiteather.

The venue will be built under the Shimmer Wall on the site of the old Sir Walter Chevrolet dealership at McDowell and Lenoir streets and will seat as many as 5,000 people. In addition to the Live Nation events, it will be home to festivals and performances by other groups.

It could be ready as soon as next May if the city follows the timeline set forth today.

Bids for the project will go out in early January, and two public hearings on potential noise issues will be held at council meetings on Jan. 5 and 17.

Check Wednesday's print edition of The News & Observer or www.newsobserver.com for more information.