The entrances to the Warren Community Amphitheater are tapped off, and construction machines are nearby as the venue prepares for significant improvements. 

The outdoor space will get a replacement roof, light upgrades, places for vendors, and better wheelchair access.

The construction will continue through the spring and part of the summer. 

“That structure, that facility, is approaching 30 years old,” Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said. “So there’s a need, a strong need, for a lot of capital improvement.”

The scenic venue near Perkins Park seats nearly 3,000 people. During the warm months, it typically hosts community events and local bands.  

One of the venue's most significant events is the “River Rock at the Amp” concerts. The event's organizers announced that the shows will still be held this summer. Since the construction will happen during the week, the bands can play on the weekends. 

“There will be a lot more intense work when those concerts aren’t taking place, but we know that we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Mayor Franklin said about keeping many summer events while construction happens.

However, other events, like the Warren Rotary Club's Rubber Duck concert on April 26, are expected to move to a different venue in the city because of the work. , such as,

The amphitheater has already had upgrades to its perimeter fencing and bathrooms in 2022 and 2023. 

This phase of work will cost $1,220,000.

Construction at the amphitheater is expected to finish in late June or early July 2025.