We're about six weeks or so away from First Look Friday, which will serve to kick things off at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater.

"We haven't just built an amphitheater, we've built a music center," said Eric Ryan of JAC Management Group.

In the shadows of Youngstown's once-burgeoning industrial past lies what city officials believe is a key to a new and equally prosperous future.
With the first in an ever-expanding schedule of concerts and community events just weeks away, the pieces of the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater are falling into place just as quickly.

"The amphitheater is a 5,000 seat amphitheater," said Ryan. "We can seat 1,500 people on the floor."

Monday, the press and city leaders got a first look inside the facility that's full of amenities.

There's a bar for the adults, and a splash pad and kid's playground will be worked into the 32-acre plot, once home to Wean United.

There will be a VIP lawn with a cabana, tables, and chairs.

The Community Alley, a large promenade, will run under the Market Street bridge from the Covelli Centre and be lit entirely with LED lights.
For the acts using the facility to perform, management said it'll be an experience they'd expect at a much larger venue.

"The stage and wings are 83 feet wide," said Ryan. "It has a star dressing room and restrooms as well."

And just as important, smooth and worry-free experience for visitors as well.

"On show days, we'll be blocking off the top of Phelps and Front (streets) there, and we'll have handicap and VIP parking," Ryan said.

That experience includes the option to reserve one of the 650 parking spots behind the Covelli Centre for specific events and a fee.