AMP Gives Nod to Sponsors at Topping-Off Ceremony
by March 31, 2014 12:57 pm 152 views
The Walton Arts Center hosted a topping-off ceremony Monday to commemorate the Rogers construction site of the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, recognize its sponsors and give an update on construction of the $11 million outdoor entertainment venue.
Guests were invited to add their signature to a beam that was then adjoined to the outward wall of the 5,430-SF permanent stage.
Founding benefactors recognized for donating at least $1 million to the AMP 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 (VIP Pinnacle Lounge).
Other recognized sponsors, donating at least $100,000, include Cox Communications, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, George’s, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and AMP general manager Brian Crowne.
The facility will include a canopy that covers 34,400 SF; artist lounges, dressing rooms and production offices; air-conditioned restrooms; and a VIP lounge.
According to the AMP staff, 85 percent of the venue’s 295 box seats are already sold out for the upcoming concert season.
Also at the ceremony, Crowne announced additional concerts for the season, including Boston on Aug. 15, Foreigner on Aug. 19 and the Steve Miller Band on Sept. 27.
Previously announced concerts include Darius Rucker and Pat Green June 20, Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss July 7, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers Aug. 3 and Jake Owen Sept. 11.
Crowne said there are more performances that have been confirmed but that cannot yet be announced.
“It’s only going to get bigger and better. People are going to want to come to the Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas,” Crowne said.
The WAC board of directors voted May 2013 to move the AMP, then an impermanent structure erected during the concert season, from Fayetteville to a permanent location in Rogers.
Core Architects of Rogers and Crossland Construction of Rogers comprise the design and construction team.