Lexington Names Amphitheater Stage After CommonSpirit Health

Lexington Honors CommonSpirit Health with Amphitheater Stage Name at Gatton Park

Lexington is gearing up for the grand opening of Gatton Park, set to take place on August 23. The park has officially announced that its amphitheater stage will be named the CommonSpirit Health Stage, a decision made public on Friday that marks a significant milestone as the park approaches its opening date.

The CommonSpirit Health Stage is expected to be a central feature of the park, hosting a range of performances from live concerts to comedy shows. The venue aims to position Gatton Park as a premier destination for world-class entertainment within the city.

The naming of the stage is a tribute to a generous contribution from Saint Joseph Health, a part of CommonSpirit Health, which has also been designated as the official health care partner of the park. This collaboration is intended to enhance community health and wellbeing through various initiatives.

Community Engagement and Booking Plans

Gatton Park is dedicated to fostering community connections and facilitating celebrations through its diverse offerings. To manage the events at the CommonSpirit Health Stage, the Oak View Group has been appointed as the booking agent for all ticketed events, ensuring a high-quality lineup for visitors.

For food and beverage services, DLS Events has been selected as the provider, which will add to the overall visitor experience. The park also plans to manage bookings for non-profit and community events directly, further enhancing its role as a community hub.

Construction progress for Gatton Park has been significant, having raised over $55 million as of mid-May 2023. The park is designed to be self-sustaining, aiming to generate revenue through event performances and rental fees.

Parks Features and Attractions

Upon its opening, the public will have access to various features, including walking trails, a playground, and a splash pad. All these amenities are aimed at promoting leisure and community engagement. A notable addition to the park’s attractions is an art project titled “First Impressions,” which showcases a giant fossil replica indigenous to Lexington. This sculpture not only celebrates the area’s unique limestone geology but also serves as a historical timeline for the city.

Director and Future Developments

Donald Miller has been appointed as the park director. With experience in programming and events management garnered from his previous position at Waterloo Park in Austin, Texas, Miller is poised to implement technology-driven initiatives that enhance the visitor experience at Gatton Park.

The construction of the park is part of a broader community initiative, relying heavily on private donations to transform the Manchester Parking Lot behind Rupp Arena into a vibrant green space reflecting Lexington’s rich culture. As the summer approaches, steady construction signals that the park is on track for its anticipated late summer 2025 completion.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for noon on August 23, ushering in a new era for live entertainment and community gatherings in Lexington. With these developments, Gatton Park is positioned to make a significant impact on the local entertainment scene, providing a space for relaxation, engagement, and cultural enrichment.