Plans Could Bring Life Back to Mesker Amphitheatre

For years now, fans of live music in Evansville, Indiana, have been calling for the resurrection of a long-since-abandoned venue, and today those fans have come one step closer to that wish.

A Historic Venue With a Rock Legacy

Evansville's historic Mesker Amphitheater provided a home for live music and events for more than fifty years before hosting its last live show in 2009, and eventually being shuttered in 2012. Holding about 8,500 spectators and having hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, and Iron Maiden, as well as a favorite local event known as Mother Mesker's Homemade Jams, the venue has remained closed and has continued to deteriorate on the other side of the locks on the gates.

For over a decade, fans of the venue have been calling for it to be brought back to life, and today the city's Board of Park Commissioners took a small step that could bring that wish to life.

Get our free mobile app

Evansville Approves Step Toward Revival

In a press release shared with us from Joe Atkinson, the Communications Director for Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, the commissioners voted to allow city officials to "issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease Mesker Amphitheatre for use as an entertainment venue."

What Happens During the Proposal Window?

This means for the next 60 days, businesses, individuals, and organizations can submit their detailed plans for the revitalization of the property. At the end of the 60 days, the Parks Board will review all of those proposals to see if it's possible to bring the venue back to life.

“Mesker Amphitheatre holds a special place in the hearts of many Evansville residents; it’s where generations of families have come together to enjoy live music, performances, and community events,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “We believe it’s time to explore new opportunities to breathe life back into this beloved venue. Today’s action is a meaningful step toward that goal.”

Mayor Terry Shares Her Vision for Mesker

Mayor Terry goes on to explain that it will require the right partner to bring life back to the historic venue.

Could Live Music Return to Mesker?

So, could we one day see live entertainment back on the stage of Mesker Amphitheatre? It's possible, and it seems this could be the first step. To see some of that deterioration, as early as two years after the doors were closed, check out the video below.