Carter Barron Amphitheater Closed for Repairs
The Carter Barron Amphitheater closed after a 2017 engineering inspection found that the stage’s substructure was not strong enough to handle the weight of performers and equipment onstage.
The National Park Service (NPS) initially planned to repair the stage.
However, the preliminary design phase revealed that the stage structure needs to be rebuilt. NPS is taking this opportunity to re-examine how the facility could house dressing rooms, restrooms, and backstage infrastructure located below the stage, and bring all of these areas up to current codes, including the incorporation of universal accessibility and other 21st-century needs. The wing walls of the amphitheater's stage are an important historic portion of the facility and would be retained and rehabilitated in all design options.
The preliminary design effort was expanded to include the front-of-house spaces, too. This included public restrooms, the box office, and other public areas.
Currently, the NPS is working on the comprehensive, conceptual design for rehabilitation of the amphitheater, as well as considering options for management and funding of the project.
At this time, the Carter Barron Amphitheater remains closed.
