Industry Noize: LN Proposes Indy Shed Expansion

Live Nation pledged to invest $10 million to expand Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park in Indianapolis into a permanent concert venue, a proposal a local development commission voted unanimously to pursue pending approval of financial details and architectural designs.

The plan isn’t the only one on the table, however.

A former General Motors stamping plant is also being considered by a private entity as a site for a competing shed, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Racer Trust controls the 102-acre site at the former GM plant and is considering four plans for that property, including an amphitheatre plan submitted by REI Investments.

Live Nation has been presenting concerts at the White River shed for about a decade, and also operates Noblesville’s 24,000-capacity Klipsch Music Center.

The White River facility would expand from 7,400 capacity to a range between 8,000 and 12,000, with much of the seating permanent and covered, according to the paper.

In recent years, the stage was set up and removed seasonally.

White River State Park Executive Director Bob Whitt told the Star that Live Nation’s proposal was “pretty bold,” adding that LN is “fully willing to be involved in every way.”

“We don’t expect $10 million would cover the entire cost,” he said, adding the commission has authority to issue revenue bonds to finance projects. If the plan gains final approval, construction might be completed in time for the 2015 summer season, with concerts continuing in the current setting this year and next.

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