The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater had its most successful season ever in 1999, according to reports at this week's meeting of the Development Authority's Amphitheater Committee.

Thanks to sponsorships totalling $134,500 and more than 45,000 in attendance for the summer, the 2,200-seat venue was able to increase its overall entertainment budget by 40 percent. This allowed the amphitheater to secure many top-flight acts for the Summer Concert Series.

To accommodate a waiting list that contained some 580 names, a second night was added to each weekend performance, giving patrons the choice of attending Friday night or Saturday night. Attendance for the summer was at 87 percent of capacity with two nights of shows for each performer.

Three acts — Gordon Lightfoot, Grand Funk Railroad and K.C. and the Sunshine Band — each sold out their Friday night shows this summer.

The 1999 sponsorship program was the most successful in the amphitheater's history, according to reports. In addition to $95,000 in cash, sponsors contributed $38,500 in merchandise through various trade agreements this season.

Many of these sponsors provided giveaways for patrons at shows throughout the year, with such prizes as sport water bottles, a computer, golf outings, cell phones, gift certificates, a hot water heater, barbecue grills, magnets, stress balls, beach tote bags, coolers, picnic baskets, tennis lessons, brunches/dinners for two, use of a golf cart for a weekend, sports/entertainment tickets, and a weekend getaway.

Amphitheater representatives reported the highest satisfaction levels ever from this year's annual survey. Patrons also select possible acts for next year through the survey, and the results of that should available in another month or so.

A number of features have been added or improved this year, such as a new light board, back truss lighting, stage wings, rain shelter globes and turnstiles, while the entrance was enhanced with shrubs and bushes and some old fencing was eliminated.

The Amphitheater is currently considering expansion plans for the concession areas and ticket windows, as plans for those were reviewed at Monday's meeting.

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