Upgrades coming to Fayetteville amphitheater

Although its summer concert schedule is still in flux, the Southern Ground Amphitheater in Fayetteville is moving ahead with plans to upgrade its seating and other amenities.

The Fayetteville City Council voted 5-0 Thursday to approve reimbursement of $257,073 for the first phase of renovations, with plans to pursue a revenue bond not to exceed $2 million that would encompass the second phase as well. As outlined by City Manager Ray Gibson at the meeting, upcoming work on the facility, which is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association, includes structural repairs, masonry, painting and stabilizing slabs due to settling.

Further plans include adding an upper level of VIP seating behind the lawn area, as well as a VIP lounge and bar. The more extensive work will be done after the 2020 concert season is over.