Photos released this week show dynamic alterations to the top of the amphitheater where new permanent seats will be installed. Read more about the plans here.
Reshaped: The top of the Meijer Gardens amphitheater is undergoing a dramatic change with permanent sponsor seating being installed at left. The stage is at right. (Photo/Owen-Ames-Kimball)
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The week after UB40 closed out the summer concert series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in early September, work crews were on site to start refashioning the 1,900-seat amphitheater.
Concrete Work: The amphitheater’s new sponsor seating is slated to be completed in mid-May. (Photo/Owen-Ames-Kimball)
About 3-1/2 months into the project, the first phase of this amphitheater expansion is “under way and on schedule,” according to public relations manager John VanderHaagen.
“The concrete work is the most visible progress thus far, with walls at the sponsor seating areas currently being formed and poured. This work will go on through the winter, weather permitting,” he said.
“About 35 percent of the retaining walls are in place so far. The loading dock area and behind-stage storage and walkway will be addressed in late winter as well. The new sponsor seating area will be ready for service by mid-May, which includes fixed stadium seating, new permanent bars and an upgraded, permanent front-of-house spotlight platform.”
Photos released this week by the Owen-Ames-Kimball construction company show dramatic changes to the top of the amphitheater where the new fixed seats for VIP and sponsor ticketholders will be located.
New Look: This is a model of the remodeled amphitheater.
“There will be additional square footage added on the east side of the lawn which has been reshaped, giving our general admission seating area more square footage of room,” said VanderHaagen.
“We’re not yet sure if we are going to increase capacity, but if we do, any increases will be minimal — 100 or so seats. Our goal is to retain the intimate atmosphere while increasing room for guests.”
When completed, the elevation of the amphitheater will be higher because “we’re basically doubling the area of the sponsor seating,” he added.
That’s just part of a much-hyped $115 million expansion and renovation project that will also see Meijer Gardens create a new 60,000-square-foot visitor welcome center, a Covenant Learning Center, a new entry plaza, new outdoor picnic pavilion and much more.
Working Through the Winter: Phase 1.
The second phase of the amphitheater renovation will begin after the 2018 concert season is completed, VanderHaagen said.
“The concession stand will be replaced with an entirely new facility that is much larger, including upgraded points of sale, a permanent merch counter, increased storage and green rooms for performers, and more storage and service area in the lower level,” he said.
“This Phase II is expected to be concluded in spring of 2019, finalized in time for the 2019 summer concert series.”
Meijer Gardens is expected to announce the 2018 summer concert series lineup in the spring.
Bird’s Eye View: Construction progress before the snow fell.
A model of the completed project
A sketch of the completed amphitheater looking southwest.
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