Kentucky Shed In The Works

A 12,000-seat amphitheatre is being planned as an addition to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, booking director Debbie Burda told Pollstar.

Pending funding approval from the 2008 General Assembly, the amphitheatre would replace the 48,000-capacity Cardinal Stadium, which is more than 50 years old and used mostly for hosting free fair concerts.

"It would be an amphitheatre for concerts. It is essential for us at the state fair," Burda said, adding that the board wants to host concerts each day of the event. If everything goes as planned, she said the amphitheatre could be up as soon as 2009.

The Kentucky State Fair Board will ask the General Assembly for about $20 million to build the shed and tear down Cardinal Stadium.

The Kentucky Exposition Center, which is undergoing a $55 million renovation, is also home to the 19,000-capacity Freedom Hall arena, which can be used for concerts but is often booked for other events during the fair, Burda said.

Freedom Hall is set to host Blue Man Group, Larry The Cable Guy, and the Charlie Daniels Band between now and March.

In its heyday, Cardinal Stadium hosted shows by rock mainstays including The Rolling Stones and Jimmy Buffett.