Work begins on $8.7 million outdoor plaza and amphitheater

Friday, Sept. 16, 2005 | 9:14 a.m.

Henderson has started construction on an $8.7 million outdoor plaza and amphitheater that city officials said will help attract national events and tourists to the community once it opens in May.

The city is seeking to host the national Firefighter Combat Challenge and the World Strongest Man Competition and other events to go along with already scheduled civic festivals.

Henderson officials and representatives of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority celebrated the Henderson Events Plaza in groundbreaking ceremonies Thursday in front of City Hall, where the plaza will be constructed. The LVCVA made the project possible with an $8 million grant to the city.

Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said special events accounted for 1.5 million of the 43 million visitors to Southern Nevada in 2004 and that the Henderson facility provides a versatile venue that is another asset in recruiting events to the region.

Henderson is counting on the plaza to generate $20 million in nongaming economic benefits in its first year with 53,000 visitors from out of the area and 70,000 from Southern Nevada.

"This is going to be a multi-use facility facility that can handle everything from a rodeo and a go-cart festival to a festival and concert," said Bud Pico, the manager of tourism and sales for the Henderson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The plaza will be home to such annual events at the ArtFest of Henderson, Terrible 400 Off-Road Race, Nevada Silverman Full Distance Triathlon and Downtown Henderson Super Run Classic Car Show that brings 1,000 classic cars to Water Street in September.

Also planned are St. Patrick's Day celebration and Downtown Henderson IRL Stars of Karting.

The plaza covers 2.7 acres with 60,000 square feet of event space adjacent to City Hall and the convention center. Most of the plaza will be concrete, but there will be a grassy area to view concerts and festivities held at a partially shaded amphitheater whose shell is already constructed. A water fountain will be built for kids to play in, Pico said.

Many civic plazas across the country don't have that versatility and aren't located next to a convention center where related ancillary activities can be staged indoors, Pico said. Dirt can be brought in and placed on top of the plaza for a rodeo, he said.

In the past, Henderson has held cars shows and other events at Timet Field, in the parking lot of City Hall and along Water Street. The plaza will be constructed on the existing parking lot and tie in with widening and streetscape improvements under way along Water Street. Construction has started downtown for mixed-used building and loft-style condominiums.

Mayor Jim Gibson called the plaza a key component of the city's vision for downtown. He said it will not only help with redevelopment efforts but provide a focal point for civic activities in Henderson. He said it will help the community maintain its small-town roots and atmosphere.

"This is a place where moms can bring their kids to run in the water and congregate outdoors and read in the center of our city," Gibson said.

The amphitheater, where jazz concerts and performing arts will be held, seats 400 people. The tiered lawn will hold another 200 and additional seating around the perimeter will be for 200.