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A privately funded 5,000-seat amphitheater could be coming to downtown Winston-Salem next spring.
August 13, 2025
The Amphitheater
The proposed amphitheater would be constructed between the Benton Convention Center and First Baptist Church. The venue would host a mix of national touring acts and community events, such as the Winston-Salem Symphony, the International Black Theatre Festival, and university performances.
Who’s Behind the Project?
The project would be 100% privately funded through a joint venture between Flow Automotives CEO Don Flow and Concert Stuff Group CEO Jim Brammer.
The Details
- Funds: Privately funded with no public money, tax breaks, or incentives. The amphitheater will cover all security costs, and no public debt will be incurred for any of the improvements.
- Parking: The venue will use nearby surface lots and underused parking decks.
- Noise: Concerts will end by 11 PM to meet city noise ordinances.
- Tax Impact: Expected to generate ~$50,000 annually in property taxes.
What’s Next?
The project needs City Council approval for temporary street closures on event days and for leasing the 1-acre city-owned vacant parkland for back-of-house operations.
- Zoom In: The project enters public comment on Monday, August 18, with a City Council vote set for Tuesday, September 2.
- Timeline: If approved, the amphitheater is projected to be completed by Spring 2026.
Big Picture
The idea of building an amphitheater downtown isn’t new—the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership had recommended it in their 2023 Comprehensive Plan.
The Partnership subsequently formed the Downtown Amphitheater Subcommittee, which researched amphitheaters in other communities. At the end of 2024, they approached Don Flow about the possibility of using a site he owned for the project.
- Benefits: An amphitheater could boost foot traffic and spending at nearby businesses, energizing the downtown area.
- Yes, but: Some citizens have raised concerns about parking, downtown noise, effects on the nearby Crystal Tower residents, and the potential $1/month leasing agreement.
