Birmingham City Council Approves Financing for New 9,000-Seat Amphitheater
The Birmingham City Council has passed a resolution to finalize its support for the financing and construction of a new $50 million amphitheater in North Birmingham. The proposed open-air venue will be located on 25th Street in the Druid Hills neighborhood, next to The Star at Uptown, a $346 million mixed-use redevelopment project.
The idea for the amphitheater was first introduced in December 2022, and since then, city officials have been actively engaging in conversations and commitments to promote minority participation and local hiring. The city’s financial contribution will be a one-time payment of $5 million. In addition to that, Jefferson County, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), and Live Nation will also be making upfront payments. These upfront payments will significantly reduce the amount the BJCC needs to finance for the construction of the amphitheater, bringing it down from $50 million to $30 million.
Councilor Hunter Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a game-changer for the entire region. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in undertaking significant construction projects. Williams also highlighted the fact that this is a private-public partnership, with the city contributing only $5 million, which will be partially recouped through permits and fees. The councilor believes that the amphitheater will not only bring entertainment to Birmingham but also generate enough room night stays to support the development of two additional hotels within the city.
The BJCC, in a statement following the city council vote, reaffirmed its commitment to the project, stating that it will cover any construction cost overruns and undertake the rehabilitation of parking decks on the former Carraway Hospital site. Additionally, if there are any shortfalls in covering the amphitheater’s debt in any given year, the BJCC has promised to address them.
Tad Snider, CEO of the BJCC, assured that the financial arrangement was designed to ensure that the city and county have no ongoing financial obligations for the amphitheater. He mentioned that the city will receive approximately $1.3 million from the BJCC for building permits and other fees, thereby reducing the city’s net contribution to less than $4 million.
The resolution was passed with a vote of 7 to 1, with one abstention. Councilor Valerie Abbott, who voted against the measure, cited concerns from the neighborhood and the absence of a city-wide residential parking plan. Councilor Carol Clarke abstained due to her employment with Corporate Realty, the developer of The Star at Uptown.
Council Pro-Tem Crystal Smitherman expressed her excitement for the completion of the final phase of the project, stating that it puts Birmingham on the map.
The BJCC anticipates that the amphitheater will be ready for opening in 2025, providing Birmingham residents and visitors with a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. This development is expected to further contribute to the city’s growth and enhance its reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
