North Carolina Construction News staff writer
A privately funded 5,000-seat outdoor amphitheater has been proposed for downtown Winston-Salem, with a potential opening date in spring 2026.
The venue would be built on a block bordered by Fifth, Spruce, Sixth and Marshall streets, between the Benton Convention Center and First Baptist Church. Developers say the project would not use public funds or incentives and would operate debt-free.
The project is a joint venture between Flow Automotive CEO Don Flow, who owns the site, and Concert Stuff Group CEO Jim Brammer. Former city public assembly facilities director Bucky Dame is set to serve as president and general manager.
The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership announced the proposal on Tuesday. Its president, Jason Thiel, said the facility is expected to boost downtown businesses and generate about $50,000 a year in property tax revenue for the city.
City council approval is needed for limited street closures during events and for leasing a nearby one-acre city-owned parcel to house support operations.
“This amphitheater will spark and sustain downtown vitality by bringing large groups together to enjoy Winston-Salem and support restaurants, retailers, hotels and the Benton Convention Center,” Thiel said.
The amphitheater would host national touring acts as well as local performances and community events such as graduations, religious services and concerts by the Winston-Salem Symphony. Concerts would end by 11 p.m. to comply with city noise rules.
The project aligns with the city’s 10-year Downtown Winston-Salem Plan, adopted in 2023, which recommended building an outdoor amphitheater. A Downtown Amphitheater Subcommittee studied similar venues, including Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater, before beginning talks with Flow last year.
Subcommittee chair Stewart Holmes said the project would be a “demand generator” for downtown.
“The amphitheater project would be 100 per cent privately funded, and the city will gain enormous economic impact from parking, sales tax and room tax with no additional investment and no incentives,” Holmes said.