The Ledge Amphitheater Seeks $5.5 Million in State Funds for Upgrades, Continues to Draw Big Acts

(KNSI) – A central Minnesota concert venue putting fans on the edge of their seat is seeking state funds.

The Ledge Amphitheater in Waite Park is asking for $5.5 million to add lights to its recently completed parking lot and permanent restrooms on its west end, which would replace the porta-potties.

City Administrator Shaunna Johnson told KNSI News The Ledge has been a wonderful asset, giving back $1.2 million to the state in sales tax. “The economic impact that The Ledge has on this region, thanks to our partners with the CVB [Central Visitors Bureau], it’s about a $5 to $6 million economic impact annually.”

Johnson says, surprisingly, much of the money comes from elsewhere. “In the last year, the visitors were from Minneapolis, St. Paul and Brooklyn Park. Which was kind of fascinating to me, but it’s something that we really appreciate being able to share those numbers and be able to see the impact we’re having.”

The amphitheater is hoping for at least 15 to 20 acts in 2024. Tickets went on sale Friday for the Beach Boys performance in July. Other acts committed this year include Jason Mraz & The Superband, Three Dog Night, The Little River Band, Jewel and Melissa Etheridge.

The 2023 Legislative session awarded $2.5 million to the facility. That money was used to purchase, design and build the parking lot. Waite Park originally asked lawmakers for $7.9 million to complete all the projects.

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