Monmouth begins building amphitheater

Monmouth Park officials had a formal ground-breaking Wednesday for the 7,500-seat amphitheater that will be built on track property just north of the grandstand and adjacent to the racetrack picnic area.

The amphitheater is expected to open next year.

A new restaurant will be built between the amphitheater and Bluegrass Mini Golf, which is already open for business and located close by on track grounds. The amphitheater, miniature golf course, and restaurant are part of Monmouth’s attempt to diversify its business plan. The track also hopes to one day be allowed to offer sports betting and exchange wagering.

“These new destinations will not only provide jobs and entertainment, but will complement our core business, world-class Thoroughbred racing,” said Dennis Drazin, an advisor to Darby Development LLC, which operates the track.

Monmouth has teamed with AEG to book acts for the new amphitheatre. EG’s current and recent tour roster includes Katy Perry, Bon Jovi, and Taylor Swift.

The amphitheatre was designed by NK Architects and is under the stewardship of Benjamin R. Harvey Construction Company and Maser Consulting P.A. All three companies are based in New Jersey.