Plans For Harbor Yard Amphitheater Revealed

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Touting a $50 million economic uplift to downtown, project officials unveiled plans for what they say will make Bridgeport a statewide hub for entertainment. During a press conference at McLevy Green, reporters and other attendees got the first look at the amphitheater which will replace the Bridgeport Bluefish as the city's largest summer attraction.

Flanked by developer Howard Saffan and concert promoter Jim Koplik, Mayor Joe Ganim expressed high hopes for the plans his office approved earlier in the week.

"I believe [the amphitheater] now puts us in a position to be that type of center for entertainment in Connecticut and beyond," said Ganim.

A $15 million investment will go towards renovating the Ballpark at Harbor Yard into the Harbor Yard Amphitheatre. Plans for the venue call for 6,500-8,000 seats and will host 25 concerts per year, according to Saffan. The Sportscenter Connecticut owner Saffan claimed 1,250 jobs will be created by the project.

Described by Koplik as the "hottest" style of concert venue, the "boutique" amphitheater will be a rare breed in New England. Only one other such venue exists, located in Boston at the Blue Hills Bank pavilion. Unlike Hartford's Xfinity Theatre, the venue's tensile roof will cover all of the 6,500-8,000 seats, and Saffan said weather will never be able to ruin a concert-goer's experience.

"You'll get the feeling of being in a wonderful small venue knowing you saw a great show in a special place," said Saffan.

Plans call for the ballpark's infield to be converted to concrete and the stage to sit in center field. The offices and concourse will be renovated, and Saffan said baseball fixtures would be given to the University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University.

Among the venue's prominent features will be large screens by Daktronics, high-end bathrooms and VIP sections, and valet parking. Saffan also touted the planned use of local food purveyors including Donut Crazy, Two Roads beer, Timothy's Ice Cream, sushi from Wild Rice, Fairfield Cheese and Joe's Missing Link sausage.

“The amphitheatre will stand as the gateway to the south end,” said Saffan.

The city will retain ownership of the property, and Saffan said the project will be funded and operated privately with with contributions from the city for upgrades. The terms of that deal have not been finalized.

It was not made clear which acts would specifically be targeted, for the venue, but Koplik mentioned names such as Steeley Dan and Stevie Wonder.

“If there’s one thing I know how to do it’s promote concerts in Connecticut,” the Live Nation Connecticut President Koplik said. “Godforbid Live Nation fires me, I don’t think I could find another job.”

Image via Facebook Live screenshot from Mayor Joe Ganim