Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Receives $2.2M Pandemic Disaster Grant

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa on Thursday announced it has received a $2.2 million Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) that will help ensure operations and maintenance of the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

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Congress reportedly created the grant program to provide emergency assistance grants to eligible live entertainment venues affected by the economic downturn and public health restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic.

The popular concert venue closed for the 2020 concert season, losing out on untold revenue, before a protracted surge in coronavirus cases in the fall prompted city officials to also cancel Holidays on the River.

The program is being administered directly by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance. To be eligible, an entity must demonstrate a qualified revenue loss from the pandemic.

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While the grant funding will no doubt help keep the lights on the venue, the outlook for coming months remains unclear, as a recent spike in cases and hospitalizations in Alabama and nationwide could result in pivots back toward heightened restrictions.

At this time, though, the 2021 concert slate at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater remains busy as the city is set to host a long list of notable acts.

Here's a look at the upcoming schedule:

• Lady A (Aug. 28)
• Rod Wave (Aug. 31)
• Chris Tomlin (Sept. 1)
• The Revivalists (Sept. 2)
• Riley Green (Sept. 9)
• Keith Sweat (Sept. 12)
• Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers (Sept. 16)
• Santana (Sept. 24)
• 70's Soul Jam: The Stylistics, Delfonics featuring William Hart, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Enchantment, Blue Magic and Jimmie JJ Walker (Oct. 1)
• Erykah Badu (Oct. 10)
• The Beach Boys (Oct. 14)
• Koe Wetzel (Oct. 15)
• Earth, Wind & Fire (Oct. 19)

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