Edward Eaton is looking forward to welcoming his new neighbor, a lively development just down the street.

Eaton, who serves as Vice President of the Druid Hills Neighborhood Associations, along with other community members, recently glimpsed the nearly finished $46 million Coca-Cola Amphitheater. He shared his excitement about the venue, which is set to open next month.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Eaton after a walkthrough of the space. The developers seem to have a solid plan in place; everything is shaping up nicely so far.

This amphitheater, located in Druid Hills, will have a capacity of 9,380 and will host a variety of festivals, concerts, and community gatherings, with its inaugural event scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd.

The project is a joint initiative involving the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and others.

Eaton expressed satisfaction with how the project team has engaged with residents. There have been concerns about potential parking issues, noise levels, and the impact on local roads and yards as the venue will attract large crowds.

“They’ve been addressing our concerns,” he noted, mentioning issues like lighting and parking logistics. “It looks like they’ve got everything well planned out.”

A shuttle service will operate from the Uptown Entertainment District, allowing access to the BJCC parking deck for those attending events at the amphitheater. Additionally, two nearby parking decks associated with the former Carraway Methodist Medical Center should be available next year.

On event days, measures are being put in place, including closing off a street adjacent to the amphitheater along 25th Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety. A complimentary trolley will ferry visitors from nearby hotels and restaurants to the venue. Construction teams are still finalizing parking arrangements on-site.

Situated just a short walk from Eaton’s neighborhood, this amphitheater is part of a broader redevelopment of the Star Uptown area, which has remained dormant for 15 years.

The new venue is slated to host 31 events in its first year, with projections suggesting it could attract around 220,000 visitors annually.

Jay Wilson, who manages concert events for Live Nations across Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, mentioned that the amphitheater is being built on the site of the former Caraway Hospital, known in the past as a key trauma center in the state.

“It used to have a significant role, but now it’s positioned to be a prime entertainment locale,” Wilson remarked.

The Dave Matthews Band is scheduled to perform on June 22nd and 24th, with comedian Matt Life also set for appearances.