Erin McCoy is delighted that a massive concert place arrives this year in Shakopee, reducing the journeys of the resident of the southern metro to twin cities to see shows.
But McCoy, the singer of a Spanning cover group called The Indecisions, has another reason to get excited by the Amphitheater of 19,000 places This Live Nation Courra: a nearby entertainment district could bring breweries, restaurants and other animated establishments in Shakopee, giving local musicians as the opportunity to entertain the crowd.
“I would try to play my group there!” McCoy said by working behind the Florist Pearson counter in downtown Shakopee.
About 4 km, workers were busy building the huge outdoor stage that will anchor the emerging outing area. The place – filled with two beer gardens, a tentacular lawn lawn and “skybox” with space for 500 people – could open this summer next to horse races and the Canterbury Park game hub.
But it’s the 28 acre entertainment district Soon to shade in the shadow of the amphitheater which will transform the largest cities, the business leaders of the County of Scott.
The Canterbury Park undertakes development and ideas for its aesthetics abound. Jason Haugen, vice-president of the company’s real estate, visited nightlife spots across the country for inspiration, from Broadway Street in Nashville with its row of Rollicking Honky-Tonks, to Dallas’ myriads of entertainment with options for families, gourmets and sports fans.
“What we are considering really does not exist here in Minnesota,” said Haugen, noting that the company plans to pass the rest of the year to refine the district plans. “We think big.”
Shakopee already draws a diversified transverse section of visitors, especially during the hottest months. Applicants of thrills are flocking to Valleyfair, players go to Canterbury and Mystic Lake, and families pack the Renaissance Festival in the fall. The entertainment district could attract a demographic group previously unexploited all year round: revelers, gourmets and music lovers.