Stage is Set For Debut of New Amphitheater at Garlic Festival

Workers will spend the next two weeks putting the finishing touches on ’s newly renovated amphiteater, adding hand rails, a large canopy and other last-minute touches before the long-awaited project debuts on the first day of the Gilroy Garlic Festival.

“The only thing that’s the same is the stage, this little piece of concrete and those trees,” said , standing near the amphitheater stage.

The project, first proposed approximately ten years ago, was made possible by a. City planners streamlined the project since the donation in April to help ensure that the revamped seating would be completed by July 29.

“It’s always been on our radar, because this is one of the premier venues for the festival,” said Bowe.

The new amphitheater retains the 1,200–1,500 seating capacity of the former layout but replaces the old railroad ties on each tier with concrete supports. Larger grass areas will allow for more flexible “family style” seating, and crews controlling stage elements now have a dedicated area to work and an eight-inch pipe to run cables underground.

“The poor guys used to be propped up on poles and stakes,” said the director.

The new amphitheater also allows for better handicap access, with ramps and three “bump outs” for wheelchair access, said Bowe.

Headstart Nursery in Gilroy will be creating the custom, translucent canopy that will cover the seating area, Bowe said. After the festival, city officials can choose whether or not to keep it up throughout the year.

The tarp will resemble the one currently covering the amphitheater stage, he said.

Perma Green Hydroseeding is the project contractor, with architect Bellinger Foster Steinmetz.

Those passing through the park can get a good idea of what the soon-to-be-completed project will look like when complete, but no sneaking–construction fences won’t be removed until the festival.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival will run from July 29-31.