Ford Amphitheater to Close in October for Upgrades

Some major improvements are planned for the historic Ford Amphitheatre at the conclusion of the summer season, officials announced.

Construction on the stage and floor, the installation of new seats, and upgrades to the lighting and sound system will begin in October. Work is expected to finish in time for the 2013 summer season opening in May, but will pre-empt the 2012-13 season for [Inside] the Ford.

The $7.5 million project is funded with capital projects funds made available by Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.

Work on the amphitheatre floor includes resurfacing and resealing to prevent water leaks beneath the theater. The stage will be resurfaced, reconfigured to allow for better draining and the angle of the stage's rake will be reduced.

“We have wanted to make these improvements for some time,” stated Adam Davis, Managing Director of the Ford Theatres in a news release. “We are currently going through a planning process that’s enabled us to prioritize needs and these were at the top of the list. These improvements will make producing at the Ford better and maintaining the facility easier while retaining the Amphitheatre’s historic character.”

A master plan for the Ford Theatres is expected to go before the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in fall 2012. In 2010 Levin & Associates Architects was selected to develop that plan. The firm has experience revitalizing and enhancing historic sites including the Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles City Hall.

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