What’s Going on at the McGrath Ampitheatre?

I was walking around in Downtown Cedar Rapids the other day. The rain fell gently on my head, and I shivered as I crossed the street towards the McGrath Ampitheatre.

Some evenings, I like to walk around that area just to get a good workout in. When there are no shows, I like to walk the perimeter of the venue.

This time, just as I was about to walk about the little hill away from the stage, I saw a bunch of signage closing off both of the pathways.

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From the looks of things, some sort of construction or renovation is taking place.

Logistically speaking, this is the best time of year for the venue officials to begin some sort of renovation project.

What Exactly Is Going on at the McGrath Ampitheatre?

It looks like an ADA construction project is currently underway to transform this well-known Cedar Rapids venue.

ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act. 

So, the main goal of the project is to better the McGrath Ampitheatre for event attendees with disabilities.

What Changes Will Be Made?

There will be six major advancements that the city of Cedar Rapids will be making.

1. On street parking for those with disabilities 
2. Sidewalk (with an ADA accessible route)
3. Food court that will be fully accessible 
4. Upper-level deck, this was previously bricking pavers in this section. Now, it will be bricking stamped concrete and fully accessible.
5. Accessible stage ramp access
6. Accessible seating area

According to the official CREvents website, the next concert at the McGrath Ampitheatre will be in mid-May. Country star Dustin Lynch will be headlining the first show of the season on May 9th.

So, officials have until May to make serious headway this project.

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