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Officials with Live Nation announced Tuesday they are exploring plans for a new music venue in Bentonville. In collaboration with the Momentary, the global entertainment company is looking to establish a midsize performance space named Bentonville Ballroom. The venue would be located next to the arts institution. The venue, with a capacity of 2,500, would open in 2028.
According to a press release from Live Nation the venue is estimated to generate $46.3 million in economic impact every year. The venue would support approximately 280 jobs, including venue employees earning starting wages of $20 per hour. In addition, the project is expected to generate approximately $4.9 million annually in state and local tax revenue.
The proposed concept by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, and BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group and Polk Stanley Wilcox, seeks to reflect Bentonville’s connection to nature. Early design concepts feature natural materials, warm wood tones, and a layout that brings the Ozarks’ textures and light into the performance space.
“Bentonville is a destination for arts and culture, and food, and the Momentary ignited the city’s music scene,” said Tom Walton, chair of the Momentary Council via press release. “The Bentonville Ballroom will be a beautiful new cultural landmark. We’re happy to invite Live Nation to our campus. Their experience connecting artists and fans will accelerate our city’s momentum with year-round, quality music experiences for residents and visitors.”
“We’re honored to work with the Momentary to bring more music to Northwest Arkansas,” said Anthony Nicolaidis, Live Nation’s Arkansas Market President. “This is going to be a special room that brings major artists to Bentonville, and creates a permanent cultural asset for the city – a place where local fans can see their favorite acts without having to travel.”
The space will also be available for private and corporate events. Ticketing and programming, will be operated by Live Nation.
Live Nation stated in the press release, they will work with neighbors and city officials to review the proposal and share input. Priorities include a parking plan that utilizes the Momentary’s garage spaces and connects the venue to Bentonville’s strong cycling infrastructure.
“We’re excited to see this investment in Bentonville’s live music infrastructure and enthusiastically support the Bentonville Ballroom project,” Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville, said. “Live music delivers real economic value for Bentonville and attracts audiences from our community, the region, and beyond. In addition to music, the Bentonville Ballroom will also strengthen our unconventional convention offerings and expand our capacity to host high-impact cultural and business events.”