Ball State to cut ribbon on new amphitheater

Ball State University is cutting the ribbon Tuesday for its new outdoor performance venue and community gathering space.

The Brown Family Amphitheater, which was a $3 million project made possible by alumnus Charles Brown and his wife, Dr. Louise Tetrick, began construction in spring 2022. The venue features dressing rooms, a green room, storage space, a control room and a loading dock. It will feature a booth/mix station with a lightboard and soundboard as well as elevated spotlights.

The amphitheater sits between Park and Pruis halls and Noyer and Woodworth complexes on the Muncie campus.

“The Brown Family Amphitheater will be a wonderful addition to the heart of our campus,” Board Chair Renae Conley said in a 2020 news release. “We deeply appreciate Charlie’s continued support of our institution, and we look forward to the many experiences this facility will provide our students, faculty and staff, and the community.”

The university will hold a grand opening with the Ball State Jazz Ensemble performing with vocalist Tatum Langley at 7:30 p.m. Food trucks and backstage tours will also be available.

Patrons can bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, and free parking will be available in the New York Parking Garage.

Ball State held a preview event at the amphitheater on Sept. 1 with a concert from Don McClean.

Brown and Tetrick also previously made a large contribution toward the planetarium, which is named after Brown and is the largest planetarium in the state.