The Pacer

Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Starwood Amphitheater of Nashville, home to outdoor events such as Buzzfest and Ozzfest, has officially closed its doors.

"Starwood has officially closed its doors. Thanks for 22 great years and your loyalty to us for your summer experience" and "Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam has been cancelled. Please return to point of purchase for a refund" signs were in bold lettering February 13 at the site of the former Starwood Amphitheatre according to www.livenation.com.

The decision to close the theatre came after a confirmed buyer for the 65-acre Starwood surfaced. The buyer is a company not in the entertainment industry. This will more than likely mean the venue will never re-open.

Starwood Amphitheatre was the primary outdoor music venue in the Nashville area from 1985 to the present. Located in the Antioch, the amphitheatre featured one large stage, a covered pavilion with reserved box seating, and an open-air grassy area for general admission seating. At the top of the large grassy area was a much smaller stage located near the venue's north entrance and usually featured local bands entertaining the audiences as they entered the amphitheatre. During the larger music festivals such as popular Ozzfest, they would temporary put up a third stage that was built in a fenced-in area that would normally be used as a parking lot.

The venue was first introduced to Nashville in 1985, however, since its opening ,Starwood had its up's as well as its down's. In 1999 the outdoors venue was bought out by First American National Bank, changing the name to the First American Music Center. For five years the name stayed until it merged with AmSouth Bancorporation. In 2001 the name was once again changed, this time it was named AmSouth Amphitheatre. After the five-year deal with the name rights, and not being able to find a suitor, in 2004 it reverted back to its original name, Starwood. The 2006 year only grossed 4.6 million dollars and drew 183,630 people for just 16 shows, lacking consistency and falling short of expectation, according to the Billboard.

Starwood was a great location for many around the Mid-South, booking shows like Ozzfest, 102.9 "The Buzz" local Buzzfest and many other acts like Cold Play, Dave Matthews Band, KISS, and other top-rated artists. Ozzfest was slated to come to Starwood this summer for a free show. Other shows like the Charlie Daniels Band and the Volunteer Jam Band were also booked for the upcoming season; however, they canceled after hearing the news as well.

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