WAC: AMP Construction on Track for June Opening

Construction for the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers is on schedule to be finished in time for the outdoor venue’s June opening date, according to the Walton Arts Center. 

The WAC hosted a topping-off ceremony March 31 to give an update on the project, recognize its sponsors and announce additional concert dates.

Guests were invited to add their signature to a beam that was then raised and adjoined to a wall above the 5,430-SF permanent stage.

The AMP facility includes a canopy that will cover 3,000 seats over 34,400 SF and is built to withstand 90-mph winds, said David Swain, project manager. 

WAC president and CEO Peter Lane said 85 percent of the venue’s 295 box seats are already sold out for the upcoming concert season.

In addition to fixed seating, the adjacent lawn will accommodate an additional estimated 4,000 concert-goers, according to WAC.

Also at the ceremony, AMP general manager Brian Crowne announced additional concerts for the season, including Boston on Aug. 15, Foreigner on Aug. 29 and the Steve Miller Band on Sept. 27.

Founding benefactors recognized for donating at least $1 million to the $11 million project were Johnelle Hunt (Hunt Pavilion), Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation (Walker Plaza), Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Walmart AMP) and General Mills (General Mills Lawn).

Founding partners, donating at least $500,000, include Tyson Foods Inc. (Tyson Concessions), Kellogg’s (Kellogg’s Bowl) and Jim Beam (Pinnacle VIP Lounge).

Other recognized sponsors, donating at least $100,000, included Cox Communications, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, George’s Inc., Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Crowne.

The WAC board of directors voted May 2013 to move the AMP, then an impermanent structure built during the concert season, from Fayetteville to its permanent location in Rogers.

Core Architects of Rogers and Crossland Construction of Rogers comprise the design and construction team.