SELBYVILLE, Del.- A multimillion dollar project transforming the future of the arts in Sussex County. Right now Freeman Arts Pavilion, previously know as Freeman Stage, is under construction creating a new, state-of-the-art concert venue.
Full of dirt and construction now, the land will be combined with the current "Freeman Stage" site. The adjacent properties will soon become one home to a multimillion dollar venue. The final product, a permanent covered stage with fixed seating, including a larger backstage area for performers, and state-of-the-art sound, lighting and video for patrons.
"We will also have greater amenities for our patrons including more concession stands, more restrooms, all of the things that make it a wonderful experience when you go to live outdoor music and arts experiences," said executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, Patti Grimes.
It's a 27-million dollar project. Right now the Freeman Foundation has reached 20-million of their goal.
"We really need the public's help and we will be announcing a capital campaign in 2021," said Grimes.
While construction continues, you can still enjoy the music. The Freeman Stage was able to stay open in 2020 by creating 97 socially distanced pods. The new space, adjacent to the current venue, will have enough space for 500 pods, seating four people each, that they will use for the 2021 season.
More space means more seating and bigger artists.
"At the end of this project we will be able to have a capacity of over 4-thousand people, so when that occurs we will be able to have larger touring artists that previously we were not able to accommodate," said Grimes
Final construction is expected to be completed in 4 to 6 years depending on fundraising and scheduling. You can learn more here.
