With the help of New York State, the Spa City’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is undergoing a revitalization that will transform and improve the grounds. This past October, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the groundbreaking for SPAC’s $9.5 million visitor services improvement project.
How the Project Will Change the Visitor Experience
There are several parts to this new construction project. To begin, two concessions buildings will replace the existing tent structures. These buildings are a welcome addition to the SPAC grounds, as they have lacked proper security, infrastructure, and storage space. In the main plaza, a new open-air covered pavilion will create a park-like aesthetic and restore the original sight lines from the Route 50 bridge to Victoria Pool.
One of the concessions buildings will have a year-round event space on the second floor where SPAC can offer expanded educational programming, audience development, and community engagement activities. There will be a rooftop terrace on the second floor, and a lobby atrium featuring local artwork and the history of the performing arts center.
The second building will have both new concessions and restroom facilities. Other changes will include upgraded pedestrian walkways between the amphitheater lawn and main plaza, and improvements to infrastructure systems and utilities to support the new buildings and public spaces.
See upcoming SPAC events and shows >>
A Major Step Forward for SPAC & Saratoga Spa State Park
The $9.5 million renovation project is supported by $8 million in private funding from Live Nation and SPAC and up to $1.5 million in grants from Empire State Development and State Parks, awarded through Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
This project and others reflect Governor Cuomo’s goal to revitalize the NY State parks system through his NY Parks 2020 initiative. Over $18 million has already been invested in Saratoga Spa State Park to improve the visitor experience, such as the opening of a one-mile accessible walking trail loop.
SPAC’s future continues to look bright, with new buildings and programming on the horizon.
