Freeman Arts Pavilion breaks ground for major upgrades
Freeman Arts Pavilion recently announced the start of a major improvement project to bring a permanent stage and an enhanced experience to the Selbyville concert venue.
Freeman leadership and staff gathered with representatives from construction management firm Gillis Gilkerson to celebrate the project with a groundbreaking ceremony.
The new stage will change the orientation of the outdoor venue, and enhance the experience for concertgoers and the wide variety of performers who visit each summer.
“The groundbreaking for this phase of this project is a significant moment in our commitment to creating a world-class venue that not only elevates the concert-going experience but also supports the artists who bring it to life. We are grateful for our partnership with Gillis Gilkerson, our trusted builder, and a group of world-class consultants. Together, we're creating a space where magical moments and unforgettable performances will come to life.” said Patti Grimes, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation executive director.
The permanent stage will be constructed on the south side of the venue lawn, facing north. The 42-foot-tall, 100-foot-wide stage will create the infrastructure needed to support state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. The project will also include construction of climate-controlled back-of-house facilities to support the needs of artists.
Concert-goers will enjoy a new terraced lawn with a more dramatic slope, ensuring maximum visibility for everyone in the crowd while continuing to offer a combination of fixed seating and more flexible general admission sections.
The new stage and viewing orientation construction is a multiyear project, and fundraising is underway for the capital campaign to complete it. The 2025 concert season will continue to operate as before without impediment. Fans will be able to enjoy the Freeman Arts Pavilion this year just as they have in the past, while the new stage takes shape to the south.
