Tuscaloosa Hopes Amphitheater Will Give Economic Boost
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: March 25, 2011
Tuscaloosa's new Amphitheater may be an
economic source that can help the city through tough times. City
leaders already anticipate it might turn a small profit this year and
the first concert is not until April 1st, next Friday. "...In just our
first year of existence. So if we can provide a venue like this at no
expense to the tax payers that says something about what we're doing
here in Tuscaloosa," says Mayor Walt Maddox.
A 2% lodging tax increase is paying the $17.9 million dollars it cost to build the facility and the first venue with Avett brothers is sold out, with following concerts on the verge of following suit.
Directors Wendy Riggs says, "I believe Tuscaloosa has no idea what's about to happen to it. I've seen venues like this completely change community."
The amphitheater has about 7,500 seats. "Every sold out show generates 350 part-time jobs. Of that, 335 are right here from Tuscaloosa. It creates thousands of dollars in our economy...through our restaurant shops and hotels," added Maddox.
