Steel framing is taking shape at the First Merit Event Park in downtown Saginaw.
WONDERFEST SET: First Merit Event Park to Honor Stevie Wonder Aug. 24
June 20, 2013
By: Dave Rogers
Outdoor fun is coming soon to an arena near you in downtown Saginaw.
Steel framing of the $1.275 million First Merit Event Park is beginning to rise, showing the outlines of what bids fair to be the region's top outdoor venue.
The Saginaw Centre Mall and the hotel are only memories; they came crashing down in the spring much as the ambitions of Saginaw leaders skyrocketed.
"The civic center has events that draw people half the year and now the other half will feature outdoor events in the First Merit Event Park," said Annette Rummel, executive director of the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
First on the schedule is the Michigan Rock 'n Rib Festival, August 16th-18th in FirstMerit Event Park. Admission is $5 (children under 10 free). Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7th at all Ticketmaster locations and The Dow Box Office. Great Michigan bands including Larry Mcray, Brian VanderArk from Verve Pipe, Howling Diablos, Robert Lee Revue, The Infatuations and many more along with great BBQ vendors from around the state including Big Moe's, Beefcake's BBQ, Bluewater BBQ, Pig's Eating Wings, a total of 8 vendors. For more informaton visit www.DowEventCenter.com.
Next is Legends of Rock 2013, Queensryche with Special Guests Great White & Slaughter, August 22nd at the FirstMerit Event Park. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations and The Dow Box Office. $25 General Admission lawn, $30 General Admission Reserved. Meet & Greet with all 3 bands & photographs $50, must have event ticket to purchase.
The 5,550-seat FirstMerit Event Park is scheduled to be completed by the end of August, according to The Dow Event Center General Manager Matt Blasy.
FirstMerit Corp. of Akron, Ohio, became the 55-largest bank in the U.S. after purchasing Citizens Bank of Flint for $912 million in 2012.
"FirstMerit is proud to be associated with this great new venue," said Todd Gregory, Saginaw Community President and Regional President of Core Business Banking for FirstMerit. "The FirstMerit name is new to Michigan following the acquisition of Citizens Bank and this is a wonderful way to show that FirstMerit is as committed to our communities as Citizens was."
Saginaw County leaders announced on Feb. 7 plans to build the outdoor venue downtown and a goal of $1.275 million to fund its construction.
The property will be owned by Saginaw County and managed by SMG, the firm that runs The Dow Event Center.
Blasy said the First Merit funding allows completion of basic construction so the pavilion can begin hosting events before fall. He said the project is seeking grant funding and other sponsorship to complete funding.
"The community support on this is amazing," he said. "Everyone is 100 percent behind this project and recognize the importance of this for downtown Saginaw."
The new outdoor concert venue being planned on the property across from The Dow Event Center is a 2.1-acre property that will include a stage, storage building and open, sloping grass area that will accommodate an estimated 5,500 persons.
TWonderfest on Aug. 24, will be the second year for the event in tribute of the music of Saginaw native Stevie Wonder. Stevland Hardaway Morris, born in 1950 in Saginaw, is known by his stage name Stevie Wonder. He was a child prodigy who matured as an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and is described as one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.
The second event will be "Fall In for Arts and Sol" on Sept. 28.
"To be able to call it FirstMerit Event Park adds instant credibility to the venue, both within the Great Lakes Bay Region and our effort to secure events," he said.
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