Courtesy NYS Office of Parks and Recreation
Construction is underway on a $9.5 million renovation project at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Spa State Park.
Officials said the work will improve visitor services and add a four-season event space.
The project is supported by $8 million in private funding from Live Nation and Saratoga Performing Arts Center. New York state is providing up to $1.5 million in grants from Empire State Development and State Parks, awarded through the governor’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
As part of this project, SPAC will undergo a complete replacement and upgrade of the existing concessions and restroom facilities. Two new concessions buildings will replace the existing tent structures, which have lacked proper security, infrastructure and storage space, officials said.
In the center of the main plaza, a new open-air covered pavilion will further establish a more park-like aesthetic, while restoring the original sight lines from the Route 50 bridge to the Victoria Pool.
The main concession building will include a second-story, offering year-round event space to support and encourage expanded educational programming, audience development and community engagement activities, officials said.
The exterior facade of the upper level will include a glass and aluminum storefront design, allowing guests to walk out onto a rooftop terrace facing the amphitheater. The enclosed portion of this building will provide climate-controlled space for events, and the lobby atrium leading to the second floor will feature the rich history of SPAC as well as space for local artwork.
The second building will further improve the guest experience by adding new restroom and concessions facilities, and creating more open, useable space which will help further improve guest movement throughout SPAC. The existing infrastructure systems and utilities will be improved to support the new buildings and surrounding public space. Upgraded pedestrian walkways will improve access between the amphitheater lawn and the main plaza and provide easier paths for travel throughout the venue.
“Aside from being an economic powerhouse in the region—with an estimated $100 million in annual economic impact—SPAC is a cultural powerhouse as well, bringing best-in-class artists and companies from across all genres,” SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol said. “With these series of infrastructure upgrades SPAC is positioned to be a vibrant international cultural destination for years to come.”
Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly said, “For more than 50 years, Saratoga Performing Arts Center has been a key partner to our city’s vibrant culture and tourism industry, and these new facilities, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, enjoy a world-class experience.”
Live Nation Connecticut and Upstate New York Region President Jim Koplik said Live Nation “has been able to bring some of the world’s greatest performers to SPAC for the past 19 years and in celebration of our 20th anniversary in 2020, we are proud to be able to contribute to such a transformative project that will enhance the guest experience at SPAC. Further, the positive impact from this project will be felt for many years to come and we’re thrilled to have future generations enjoy such an iconic and unique venue.”
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “These expanded public-private partnerships with SPAC demonstrate how New York State excels in economic development projects that grow regional economies and add to the quality of life for New Yorkers and to the visitor experience at our unparalleled cultural destinations.”
The park improvements reflect a state commitment to revitalizing the state park system as part of the NY Parks 2020 initiative.
Under NY Parks 2020, more than $18 million has been invested in Saratoga Spa State Park, including modernizing the Peerless Pool bathhouse, which consists of new facilities around the complex to improve the visitor experience – a one-mile paved accessible walking trail loop, a new disc golf course, a sensory pollinator garden and accessible, colorful and engaging playground.