NEWBERRY, S.C. — Construction is now underway in Newberry, S.C., on a new outdoor performance venue one block off Main Street, after city and county leaders turned the first dirt Thursday at 1327 Caldwell Street.
The $4.8 million project pairs an amphitheater with a pavilion and a community center on a site of a little more than three acres. Most of the money comes from the Newberry County penny sales tax program, the capital projects tax voters backed in 2022.
The stage itself will cover close to 2,500 square feet and come with professional sound and lighting. Seating at the amphitheater is planned for 193, and the surrounding lawn and green space are meant to hold far bigger outdoor crowds. City Manager Jason Taylor has put the larger outdoor figure at about 2,000 people.
The community center, at roughly 8,400 square feet, will have kitchen and bar areas and room for more than 700 guests. Plans also call for flex space with a ticket booth to support events.
When the work is done, the City of Newberry will own the stage and Newberry County will own the building. The Newberry Opera House will book shows and arts programs for both, giving the historic downtown theater an outdoor companion that can handle larger events.
Newberry County Council picked the low base bid from Solid Structures and added about $231,000 for bar, kitchen and storage space in the Jacobs Building. A green room option was held back to be bid again later if money allows.
Officials expect the venue to open by July 2027. Leaders at the groundbreaking pitched it as a new town gathering spot that links Newberry College, nearby schools and downtown shops into one arts district.
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