Developers present $35 million amphitheater plan for Longview; council requests financial details and county concurrence

Longview officials heard a presentation June 5 on a proposed privately developed amphitheater and adjoining entertainment district that developers say could cost about $35 million to build and stimulate private investment around the I‑20 corridor.

Steve Powers, principal of Red Cat Projects, and Jim Leslie of Wolverine Interests described a plan for a roughly 10,000‑seat amphitheater and an adjacent 80‑acre entertainment district. "It's a 10,000 person capacity," Powers said, and the team described a conservative operating target of about 30 shows a year and roughly 250,000 annual patrons.

Mayor Shihara convened the Longview City Council work session. Prior Mayor Andy Mac, who introduced the project, told council members the developers are asking the city to participate by approving a tax‑abatement mechanism that would not draw on the city’s general fund or reserves. "The proposal we have tonight would not jeopardize that or impact it at all," Mac said.

Nut graf: Developers asked the council to consider a Chapter 380/381‑style abatement to rebate ad valorem and sales tax revenue for a defined period so private lenders and investors can complete the project's capital stack. Councilmembers asked for detailed financial projections, a timeline for construction, clarification of the city’s legal and fiscal exposure, and county concurrence before any formal commitment.

The developers said the total estimate is about $35 million, including roughly $17 million for the amphitheater structure and about $18 million for…