Craig Ranch unveils park’s new amphitheater space
North Las Vegas has a new venue to gloat about: The Craig Ranch Regional Park Amphitheater held its soft opening Oct. 9 with its first concert featuring the Beatles tribute band, Yesterday. It is predicted to become the spot for community festivities.
“This is the best place to star gaze. Your blood pressure will drop just from the view itself,” said Cass Palmer, North Las Vegas director of Neighborhood and Leisure Services. “Our goal is to make North Las Vegas the festival city of the valley. We’re ready to host everything — from concerts to Shakespeare in the park. We want to give the community of North Las Vegas quality entertainment at a reasonable price.”
The amphitheater is the latest project planned inside the 170-acre, $130 million park at 628 W. Craig Road. It features a large pond and canopy covering half the stage and has three tiers, including one with concrete seating for chairs and two with grass for blankets.
Palmer said the amphitheater has a comfortable capacity of 3,500 people, but future renovations are planned to host 10,000 people.
Next set to perform is Southern rock and country artist Sammy Kershaw, scheduled for Oct. 23, and comedian Paul Rodriguez, set for Oct. 24. Doors are slated to open at 6 p.m., with shows planned at 8 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to come to the park early for the best views. Lawn seating, complete with lake and mountain vistas, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We want to test the amphitheater and hear feedback from the community,” Palmer said.
The venue is set to create much-needed revenue toward the park’s annual maintenance costs while building a stronger community atmosphere.
“Every dollar raised here stays here to improve the park,” Palmer said. “We’re happy to net between $5,000 to $15,000 per show.”
Construction for the 4.2-acre amphitheater cost $8.7 million and was paid for with grant funds.
The largest grant the city received was a $6.5 million grant from Clark County to build the amphitheater and surrounding pond, which was awarded in 2013.
“We are eager to share this new venue with the public,” said North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee in a recent press release. “Our vision was to make Craig Ranch Regional Park Amphitheater the epicenter of culture for this community, and we are confident that our grand opening celebration will showcase the promised commitment to providing a lively, inviting and safe leisure space.”
A tree lighting event with caroling and a holiday parade is planned in December, and a pre-New Year’s Eve party with fireworks at 9 p.m. is anticipated for Dec. 31, Palmer said.
“We want this to be a family-oriented affair,” Palmer said.
A grand opening is planned for March.
He added that they are looking for local big name artists to come out and perform, such as Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Santana, Wayne Newton and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
It is not just musical performances that have a home in the amphitheater. Palmer added it would also be available for school functions, such as graduations, recitals, plays and business meetings or retreats.
“The sky’s the limit,” Cass said. “You can’t go wrong with a beautiful view like this.”
The amphitheater plans to offer specially curated fare and libations for purchase from local food trucks and community concessionaires. Merchandise such as blankets, ball caps, glow sticks and flashlights are also set to be available for purchase.
Prohibited items inside the amphitheater include chairs, outside food and drinks, non-service animals and umbrellas.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $25 for reserved (plus fees). Tickets can be purchased online at craigranch.yapsody.com or by visiting Craig Ranch Regional Park Offices, 851 W. Lone Mountain Road, or the Silver Mesa Recreation Center, 4025 N. Allen Lane.
For more information on tickets and events, call 702-633-2418.
— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.