(KNSI) – The Ledge Ampitheater in Waite Park is getting ready to open in July and announce its first big shows.
Waite Park City Administrator Shaunna Johnson says Minnesota easing COVID restrictions is a good thing for The Ledge.
“We are all pleasantly surprised. I think we weren’t necessarily anticipating that we would be able to have anything at full capacity this summer. And so that is really good news for us.”
She says the amphitheater’s management company, Kansas City-based New West Productions, is working hard to bring national acts to Waite Park this summer.
The management company is planning to make an announcement next week who will be the first performers.
Johnson says there are still some final touches before The Ledge opens.
“Being able to be at full capacity means we need to set up all of our chairs that we have out of the facility. We’ve got to get ticketing all taken care of, and there are some logistic things that we’re working through from the operational standpoint. We really look forward to bringing some different events.”
The Ledge will also have local events and shows. GREAT Theater will perform Cinderella on the stage from July 23 to July 25.
Johnson says she is excited to show off the amphitheater to the community.
“It’s a beautiful venue. And I can’t wait for people to be out there and be able to enjoy it, whether it be concerts or the theaters or anything from smaller events that we hope to bring out there.”
Planning for the nearly 6,000 seat amphitheater began in 2015, and construction started in 2019.
The amphitheater is funded through $5 million in state bonding, local-option sales tax dollars, and the city’s street/utility fund.
The total cost for the project was $11 million.
It’s built on a 25-acre quarry site once operated by Martin Marietta.
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