NEW PAVILION: Concept of music pavilion to be built in Rogers.

  • NEW PAVILION: Concept of music pavilion to be built in Rogers.

Another major public facility will migrate from Fayetteville to more northern reaches of Northwest Arkansas, closer to the fortunes that support the arts ventures.

Advertisement

The Fayetteville Flyer reports:

The Arkansas Music Pavilion’s 2013 season will be its last in Fayetteville.

Members of the Walton Arts Center’s board of directors voted Tuesday to move the outdoor music venue to undeveloped land across Interstate 540 from Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers, ending the the AMP’s nine-year run of concerts in its hometown.

Land from trucking magnate Johnelle Hunt and significant contributions from several sources drove the decision. The Walton Arts Center itself had earlier decided to move its main performing arts venue from Fayetteville to Bentonville.

Advertisement

[Walton Arts Center Director Peter] Lane said 91 percent of the estimated $11 million needed to build the new concert venue is already accounted for and includes a $1.5 million gift from the Walker Foundation; a $2.5 million gift from an anonymous donor; a $3 million interest-free loan plus donated land from Johnelle Hunt; a $500,000 pledge from the city of Rogers; and about $1.5 million in pending gifts, naming rights donations and expected sales of box seats. Cash reserves and a $1.5 million loan from Arvest Bank would round out the funding for the new venue.

UPDATE: More info on the jump.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Michele Bachmann won’t seek re-election Next article Blanche Lincoln’s lobbying business grows to gas industry