Concert program at Villages Amphitheater finishes first season with small profit

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Last weekend's Glen Campbell concert marked the end to a very successful first year for the Villages Amphitheater.

The venue, which is managed by the Fayetteville Main Street program, ended up in the black, making a little profit, said program director Nancy Price. And that's after you factor in the cost of three free family movie nights and two additional free concerts, Price said.

"Considering this was our first year, I'd say our concert series was extremely successful," Price said. Turning a small profit was the main goal, she added. Another benchmark will be taking whatever profit is earned and putting it back into the free events offered at the amphitheater, Price added.

Two of the shows in the concert series, Campbell and Charlie Daniels, both were sellouts, and that indicated a strong support for country acts, Price indicated. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,800 persons including lawn seating.

To help keep costs down, volunteer ushers were used, with a donation made to their group in honor of their work. Also, the Fayette County High School Band Boosters set up and broke down the chairs and tables before and after each show as a fund-raiser, Price said.

Using the high school's parking lot for the concert series was also crucial, Price added. The school system also has access to the amphitheater for events when necessary.

The concert series' bottom line was also assisted by numerous sponsors, and there is a waiting list for more sponsors to join up, Price said.

There will be another good variety of acts planned for next year's concert series, Price said. The city will also look at perhaps the location of speakers and finding the perfect sound for the complex.

"We want everyone to have a pleasurable experience," Price said.

There are also plans to add a few tables on either side of the complex for area that has been unused for lawn seating, Price said.

Price also wants to look into purchasing a sound and lighting system for the amphitheater. Currently, such equipment is rented for the concert series because of the different needs of each performer, Price said.

Having a sound and lighting system will help the school when it holds events at the amphitheater, Price said.

Scheduling of events will continue to be done with the school system's needs in mind and the fact that the amphitheater is located in a residential area, Price added.

To be placed on the mailing list for next year's concert series, contact Price at Fayetteville City Hall at 770-461-6029.