Five years ago, while planning city improvements, the City of Sparks saw an opportunity to significantly enhance Victorian Avenue in front of the Nugget Events Center (NEC).
“In 2019, while planning future streetscape improvements, City staff saw an opportunity to create a more attractive and functional space,” said Mayor Ed Lawson. “The area in front of the NEC is heavily used during special events and concerts, so providing more shade and seating for visitors and residents was very important to us.”
Tuesday, June 25, at 8 p.m., those plans come to life.
The City of Sparks will hold a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the completion of the Forecourt Project on Victorian Avenue in front of the Nugget Event Center.
The 4.1-million-dollar project enhanced the NEC entrance into an energetic and welcoming space and transformed the area's overall functionality and appearance.
The changes to the space include pavers and concrete seat walls, artificial turf seating areas, eleven custom steel shade areas, enhanced LED lighting and music and a back-lit kiosk-pylon.
In a special dedication, the city will also honor former Sparks Mayor Tony Armstrong by naming the amphitheater on Victorian Square in his honor.
Former Mayor Armstrong served the City of Sparks for 16 years.
He was elected as a councilman in 1989, re-elected twice and elected mayor in 1999.
He was in the middle of his term when he died in 2005.
“We are thrilled to dedicate the Tony Armstrong Amphitheater and honor such a great community leader,” Mayor Lawson said.
Parking is available in the Nugget Casino parking lot south of the NEC or the City parking garage next to the Galaxy Victorian Theater.
