The arena hopes to plan for future demand. | Renderings by L3SP, LMN + Gensler
The Bon Secours Wellness Arena master plan, unveiled yesterday, calls for renovations, an entertainment district, and a new outdoor amphitheater. The 12-acre site at the corner of East North + Academy Streets — known as the arena district — aims to be “the Upstate’s premier hub for live events and concerts.”
Outdoor amphitheater
The proposal: A new 6,500-seat outdoor amphitheater
The “why?”: Bon Secours Wellness Arena General Manager Beth Paul tells us the demand for outdoor concerts in Greenville is “tremendous” and estimates they lose 30-40 shows each year to nearby cities with spaces like this.
We can feel the cold beer in our hand at a summer show.
Rendering by LS3P, LMN, and Gensler
The impact: Projected to create 545 jobs + generate an estimated $63 million in annual economic impact
Museum & Gallery’s Benjamin West Collection | 3-4 p.m. | Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University | Free | Enjoy a private guided gallery tour from Executive Director Erin Jones.
“King James” | Friday, April 18-Sunday, April 20 | Times vary | The Warehouse Theatre | $35 | It’s the final weekend to see this comedy that explores the place that sports occupy in our lives and relationships.
Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $11+ | Celebrate 20 years of Drive baseball and its impact on the Upstate during Flashback Friday (psst... there will be fireworks).*
Saturday, April 19
Easter Bash | 3-6 p.m. | Gather GVL | Free entry | Hop to Gather for a celebration in partnership with Ducklinks featuring a bounce house and food + drinks.
Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | 6:45 p.m. | Fluor Field | $11+ | Check out the King Legacy HBCU College Fair (2 p.m.) + stay for Saturdays on the District (5-7 p.m.) and the game.*
Sunday, April 20
Greenville Drive vs. Winston-Salem Dash | 3:05 p.m. | Fluor Field | $11 | Celebrate Easter with an egg hunt for kids, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and activities all game long.*
Monday, April 21
Monday Night Yoga | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Camperdown Plaza | Free | Unwind and recharge under the open sky with yoga led by Zen Rabbit Yoga.
Winston-Salem in bloom: Your spring road trip itinerary
Presented by Visit Winston-Salem
From historic landmarks and rich museums, to innovative art exhibits, festivals, and dining, Winston-Salem has something for everyone. | Photos provided by Visit Winston-Salem
Spring fever have you itching for a getaway? Winston-Salem is brimming with history, art, culture, and delectable dining — and it’s only a short drive from Greenville.
It’s impossible to see and do everything Winston-Salem has to offer in one weekend, so we started an itinerary to help you make the most of it:
Stretch your legs at Reynolda House Museum of Art, one of Southern Living’s 25 Best Places to Go in the South this year, and experience the iconic gardens in full bloom
Are you working late because you’re a singer? Greenville’s District Midtown is getting a jolt with the opening of Sole Espresso Bar on Friday, April 25. The shop serves Bistrot Coffee from Italy + Le Petit Croissant’s European-style pastries. (Upstate Business Journal)
Traffic
The SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) shelved an 18-year-old plan to widen I-85 between Greenville and Spartanburg to prioritize other projects it says are “more critical across the state.” However, SCDOT says traffic engineers are working on new strategies that focus on “more than just adding lanes.” (Greenville News)
Open
Prisma Health’s newest Urgent Care location is now open across from Cherrydale Point. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can book ahead.
State
Big Lots will reopen 34 stores across SC, including its Simpsonville location. The retailer originally said it would close all its stores after filing for bankruptcy last year. (The Post and Courier Greenville)
Edu
Limestone University could close after 179 years, citing financial issues. The school is considering online-only or closure, and its board will meet on Tuesday, April 22, to discuss next steps.
Greenvillian
It’s hard to imagine Main Street without the Mice on Main, and 25 years after the small bronze statues were installed, their creator was honored with SC’s highest civilian honor. Zan Wells was awarded the Order of the Palmetto earlier this month.
Today, April 18, is the final day to shop Project Host’s annual plant sale, happening from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Every plant you take home supports their Gardening for Good program, which grows fresh produce for meals that nourish the community. More details this way.*
Biz
Experts say collaboration is key — and we agree. If you’re looking to grow your network, learn from industry leaders, and connect with other like-minded professionals, you won’t want to miss Collaborators & Cocktails, Endeavor’s quarterly networking series. Here’s what to expect.*
Seasonal
If you’re looking to add a unique sweet treat to your menu this weekend, we’ve got you covered. These Easter basket cupcakes are easier than you think to make, thanks to a very unique ingredient. Hop to it.*
Make your business’s upcoming event or news the talk of the town. Through GVLtoday’s self-service ad portal, you can purchase an ad in as little as five minutes. Bonus: We now offer bundles so you can get in front of more eyes for less.
Category
Answered
How’s traffic on Church Street?
We drove the bridge yesterday and saw crews already at work. | Video by the City of Greenville
It’s been a few days since construction began on the Church Street Bridge.
Right now, the speed limit is 25 mph and traffic is down to just one lane in each direction.
We asked if you’ve felt a change in traffic since the work started: 69% of you said yes + 31% of you said no.
Work is expected to continue for at least a year. You can track the progress, and of course we’ll keep you posted on updates in our newsletter.
The CrossOver Bra by Honeylove feels as good as it looks. It’s beautifully made + engineered for real life wear (read: sculpting support without digging in or discomfort).
The proposed amphitheater reminds me of Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington and Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh (hey, RALtoday). I’ve been to concerts at both, and I look forward to the day when I don’t have to travel for an experience like that. Even with the amazing music venues we have and the music venues coming soon — like the Peace Center’s expansion and Trueline —there isn’t something quite like this... yet.