The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) board awarded a $46.1 million bid today to build the much-anticipated amphitheater north of Protective Stadium.

Stone Building LLC won the contract to erect the 9,380-capacity venue after submitting the lowest bid.

“This is a critical milestone for this project. We are excited to work with Stone Building as we witness the transformation and unveiling of the amphitheater, adding a new attraction to benefit our community.”
Tad Snider, CEO, BJCC

A key part of the Star Uptown redevelopment

The amphitheater is located in the Druid Hills neighborhood near the former Carraway hospital site. It is a key part of the Star Uptown redevelopment at the Carraway site.

The amphitheater will be owned by the BJCC and operated by Live Nation. Concertgoers can expect to see the new venue open in June 2025.

How the amphitheater is funded

Funding for the project was made possible by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau agreeing to forgo a portion of the lodging taxes from the BJCC’s Sheraton and Westin hotels.

The City of Birmingham, Jefferson County and Live Nation also each contributed $5 million upfront to lower the amount borrowed by the BJCC.

Community-wide partnerships

Over $11 million of eligible amphitheater construction spending will go to minority- and women-owned businesses and more than 33% of the $2.7 million amphitheater design contract went to minority- and women-owned firms, according to Snider.

“We are thrilled that we have been able to achieve increased diversity in the amphitheater project, particularly in the construction area, where state bid law limits our flexibility. It’s a credit to Stone Building that they were intentional in extending opportunities to minority- and women-owned firms for this project.”
Tad Snider, CEO, BJCC

Are you excited to see the new amphitheater come to fruition? Tell us what you think of this project by tagging us at @bhamnow!