The Local: New Minneapolis amphitheater rises

Dayna Frank, owner of First Avenue, stepped onto the stage of Minneapolis’ Mississippi River amphitheater for the first time last Tuesday, after more than a decade of planning. The Community Performing Arts Center (CPAC) project is rising in North Minneapolis and will hold 8,000 people. First Avenue and the Minnesota Orchestra will jointly operate the venue, which Frank expects to open in early August 2027. From the grass lawn and upper bowl, patrons will be able to look toward downtown’s skyline, the Lowry Avenue Bridge and the river. The project drew concerns on funding, gentrification, environmental impact and a housing component, leading to a redesign favoring flexibility and adding community development funds.