New details have emerged about the long-in-the-works Coney Island Amphitheater, most notably an opening date: July 2016. Developer iStar made the announcement through a press release Tuesday evening, and has also released a new set of renderings for the project.
"America's Playground is getting ready to welcome its greatest attraction yet!" Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said in the press release. "From its very first performance this summer, the Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk will be a must-visit destination for fun-seekers in search of top-flight entertainment from near and far."
Entertainment company Live Nation will hold a long-term lease to operate the amphitheater, and is planning to create a full summer series of live music, comedy shows, and family entertainment.
The stage for the amphitheater will be located in the rehabilitated Childs Restaurant building, and the 5,000 seats for the venue will be built on the adjacent lot (a controversial move that demolished a community garden). The stage has been created in such a way that it can serve as an outdoor venue in the summer months, and then have its doors closed in the winter and serve as an indoor entertainment space for the renovated restaurant.
The plan for the amphitheater was brokered by the city's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) who brought iStar together with nonprofit group Coney Island USA. The city contributed $60 million towards the project, which also calls for the creation of a 40,000 square foot, publicly accessible, landscaped open space. The amphitheater project has been designed to become LEED Silver certified.
"Our vision for Coney Island is a neighborhood that preserves the past while building for the future, and that balances a vibrant amusement district with a growing residential community," Maria Torres-Springer, the president of NYCEDC said in the press release. "The Amphitheater is a key component of our investment in the neighborhood, and will soon be home to both world class concerts and community events."
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE), which oversees the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets, will help with the branding and programming for the venue.
· All the Coney Island Amphitheater Coverage [Curbed]
Loading comments...