Amphitheater gets West Valley site

WEST VALLEY CITY — For six years, Jim C. McNeil has been scoping out sites for a new outdoor amphitheater. Now he has finally settled on a raised hill just west of the West Ridge Golf Course in West Valley City.

"One of the reasons we chose this site was because of the view of Salt Lake City," said McNeil, the president of United Concerts, during an interview at the site. "People know the view of the city from the East bench, but I don't think a lot of people know about this view from out west."

The 20,000-seat venue will be known as the USANA Amphitheatre, named for West Valley City's USANA Health Sciences Inc., which produces nutritional supplements.

Brett Blake, vice president of USANA marketing, said the company is happy to have its name on the venue. "We respect Jim and United Concerts and believe he has contributed greatly to the community," Blake said during a tour of the construction site.

Due to the contract agreement, Blake said he couldn't disclose how much money USANA is contributing to the amphitheater, which cost a total of $10 million to $12 million. But he did say USANA's investment isn't close to the funding provided by United Concerts.

McNeil also declined to disclose a sum, but he said United Concerts has another partner in the amphitheater — New York's Q. Prime Management, whose clients include Metallica and Shania Twain.

"This venue will feature anyone who can perform here," McNeil said. "It won't just be Q. Prime people. It's just like the other amphitheater Q. Prime owns, in Portland, Ore. Also, this new venue won't just feature concerts."

McNeil is planning to rent out the amphitheater for high school graduations, conventions — including the annual international USANA gathering — theatrical programs and movies. "As for the movies, there won't be a permanent movie screen living here. We'll put one up when it's needed."

The stage itself is 110 feet wide, 85 feet high and 80 feet deep, according to McNeil. "That doesn't include the loading docks behind the stage. We'll be able to unload seven semi-trucks at the same time."

Of the 20,000 seats, 7,000 will be reserved, and 13,000 will be lawn seats. Blankets will be allowed into the venue, but no picnics. "We will serve food, soft drinks and beer, but no one can bring alcohol into the venue," McNeil said.