Construction for 9,000 seat venue should begin in early 2024

Birmingham City Council approved the final agreement to help fund a proposed $50 million amphitheater.The 9,000-seat venue will be built a few blocks north of Protective Stadium, across the street from the future Star development on the former Carraway Hospital property.Tuesday's vote obligates Birmingham to pitch in $5 million to join identical contributions from the BJCC, Jefferson County and future operating partner Live Nation.Stay up-to-date: The latest headlines and weather from WVTM 13 That $20 million will serve as a down payment, lowering the amount needed from a bond deal to $30 million.The bond will be paid off using profits from the amphitheater and lodging taxes provided by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.In addition to its $5 million commitment, Birmingham has agreed to provide two-thirds of the financing backstop.Follow us on social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeJefferson County will offer the other third in case amphitheater revenues and lodging taxes are unable to cover the debt service. BJCC Executive Director Tad Snider says they hope secure financing for the project by this fall, and he estimates construction should begin by the end of this year or early 2024.The amphitheater is expected to host its first concerts in the summer of 2025.