The city’s future amphitheater will be named after and sponsored by internet provider Kinetic by Windstream, thanks to a collaboration approved by the Cornelia City Commission.
The naming rights arrangement was unanimously authorized by commissioners at the Tuesday, July 1 meeting, confirming what company representatives and city officials view as a win-win partnership.
As per the agreement, the location will be formally known as the Kinetic Amphitheater. Over the course of the contract, the sponsorship will cost $30,000 year for five years, for a total of $150,000. After the contract expires, it will be reassessed.
During the commission workshop, the proposal received praise from Nicole Payne, the company’s senior regional marketing consultant. Getting local, being present in our communities, and giving back to the people we serve is what I love most, she said.
On behalf of Kinetic, City Commissioner Don Bagwell expressed gratitude to Payne for their mutually beneficial partnership.
“We’re fortunate to have you guys here, and it’s just stupid not to use the resources we have locally,” he remarked.The dimensions of the Kinetic Amphitheater stage are 2,615 square feet. Audrey Davenport, the owner of the property indicated by the red X, gave Now Habersham her address. (Davenport, Audrey)
Wi-Fi will be provided solely by Kinetic throughout the amphitheater, allowing back office operations, performers, and event organizers to access the internet. Using a splash page that advertises Kinetic services and gathers email addresses for the company’s marketing activities, attendees will be able to access free Wi-Fi.
On-site, Kinetic’s branding will be widely displayed, including semi-permanent signage that links to GoKinetic.com via a QR code. During the development stage, the company’s logo will also be displayed on construction signage.
Apart from providing infrastructure and sponsorship, the business will play a noticeable part in events. At every event, Kinetic will be permitted to set up booths, interact with guests, and advertise its services. Additionally, for up to eight shows annually, they will have the sole right to raffle out concert tickets on their Facebook page.
During the meeting’s public forum, Audrey Davenport, a Cornelia native, voiced her opposition to the amphitheater development.
Serious safety, environmental, and quality of life concerns have been raised by the amphitheater’s placement close to a busy industrial rail line and a historically Black community, she added.
These worries were painfully evident during the May 17 music festival at the proposed amphitheater site. Children were reportedly playing at a neighboring basketball court when Davenport and other locals felt ambers from the festival’s explosions, making the area dangerous.During Tuesday’s meeting, Audrey Davenport brings up a number of issues with the new Cornelia amphitheater. Mullis, Chaz./NowHabersham.com
Would you take into account the fact that you didn’t take us into account while making that decision as proof that you don’t care about my neighborhood?” she asked.
Additionally, Davenport expressed worries that the odor emanating from the portable restrooms near the event would seep into her house. Later in the meeting, Mayor John Borrow consented to relocate the restrooms from her home for upcoming activities.
The new amphitheater will be officially opened with a spectacular opening party, which Kinetic will organize. Construction on the amphitheater is scheduled to start next year, according to City Manager Donald Anderson.
