Board authorizes sponsorship solicitations for proposed amphitheater upgrade

Members of the Anthem Business Support Committee presented a concept to expand and upgrade the community amphitheater into a performing-arts venue by adding seating, a permanent stage/backdrop, shade and concession areas.

A committee member described volunteer renderings and an early order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate: "to get something that even comes close to this, the estimate says it's going to be around five million bucks to do that." The committee said it does not have $5 million and proposed forming a subcommittee to pursue large sponsorships and possible operating partnerships rather than adding a full-time venue staff.

Board members asked practical questions about seating capacity (presenters estimated between 500 and 700 now, with buildout options up to about 2,000) and flagged parking as a key barrier; presenters acknowledged the $5 million estimate did not include any additional parking work. After discussion, a motion to authorize the Business Support Committee to develop a sponsorship package and solicit commitments was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The committee plans a roughly six-month solicitation period to determine whether sponsorship commitments are forthcoming; if not, the idea will pause until funding becomes available or other options are identified.