Bridgeport’s new amphitheater gained a new name Tuesday from a new official sponsor, an opening date and, given the drop in the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate, fresh hope of getting some concertgoers this year in the 5,700-seat venue formerly known as The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater was announced at a media briefing that included city officials, Live Nation President Jim Koplik, principal Howard Saffan and HHC officials at the former home of the minor-league Bridgeport Bluefish baseball team.
The amphitheater (see rendering above) is scheduled to open May 15, with a series of 10 local college and university graduations. The first Live Nation concerts are scheduled for June, pending state approval.
“The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater is, in every way, a sign of hope for the future,” said Jeffrey Flaks, above, Hartford HealthCare President and CEO. “In addition to concerts, the new location will host many community health events, festivals, and other regional events when it is safe enough to do so. It is another example of Hartford HealthCare’s continued investment in our communities — improving quality of life, improving access to world-class healthcare and continuing to drive economic development and vitality. This is the kind of investment that will make Bridgeport a true destination.”
The partnership between Hartford HealthCare, Live Nation and the City of Bridgeport began to take shape in fall 2019 when Hartford HealthCare acquired St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Hartford HealthCare is a sponsor of two other Live Nation properties, the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford and the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford.
“We are excited to take our relationship to the next level with the naming rights for the state-of-the-art amphitheater in Bridgeport,” said Koplik. “The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater promises to be one of the premier boutique amphitheaters in the country. I can’t think of a better partner.”
As the briefing ended, Hartford HealthCare donated $10,000 to Jimmy Koplik’s Coat Drive to benefit those less fortunate in Bridgeport.
