Tuscaloosa Awaits Shed Bids

Although the dirty work’s already begun on the site of a future amphitheatre in Tuscaloosa, Ala., city officials have set a May 19 deadline for construction bids on the venue itself.

Following the leveling of the site, the city has budgeted $13 million to build the shed, which will feature 7,100 seats, a fully equipped backstage area and VIP room, according to the Tuscaloosa News.

Mayor Walt Maddox told the paper that given current economic conditions, the city expects to receive numerous bids and should be able to continue with the full plan.

“It’s a very favorable period as far as construction prices,” Maddox said. “Right now, a lot of contractors are bidding on these projects, so there is a silver lining to what we’re experiencing in the economy.”

Venue construction is expected to begin in late June or early July. The project’s original completion date was August 2010 and Maddox explained that once bids come in, the city will determine if the timeline is feasible.

“We have 18 months’ worth of plans on the table, so May 19, we’ll see if our plans are in line with economic reality,” he said.

The venue will be programmed by Red Mountain Entertainment.