PHILADELPHIA—On March 3rd, city officials joined local broadcasting legends Patty Jackson and Lady B to break ground on a $6.9 million renovation of the Dell Music Center, Philadelphia’s premier outdoor entertainment venue. The project is funded by the City of Philadelphia, with support from the Office of Councilmember Curtis Jones (4th District), the Office of Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District), and the Office of Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (AL).
“The Dell is a one-of-a-kind venue, and the investments made today will ensure the Dell continues to host renowned artists for many years to come,” said Susan Slawson, General Manager of the Dell Music Center. “The Dell is thrilled to have the support of the city and Philadelphia’s broadcasting community behind this project. These critical upgrades will ensure the Dell remains Philadelphia’s premier outdoor amphitheater, where the stars take center stage.”
“I can’t tell you what the Dell means to us. This is ours. This Dell belongs in this community; and it belongs to us,” said Sam Staten, Jr., the President of Family of The Dell.
“We’re delighted to support this groundbreaking at the Dell Music center,” said Council President Darrell L. Clarke. “This was genuinely a venue for the neighborhood,” Clarke said. “This is North Philly’s own Robin Hood Dell. The Dell is a welcoming place for so many Philadelphia residents to come here on Summer evenings and enjoy world-class music with deep roots in Philadelphia. We’re proud to support these improvements to the Dell.”
The Dell’s iconic stage, which has hosted legendary performances from artists such as Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, and Patti Labelle, will be rebuilt for the first time in the venue’s 50-year history. The new stage will feature improved acoustics, new walls and siding, and a new amphitheater roof.
Built-in 1929, much of the Dell’s original infrastructure remains. Renovations to the stage, roof, green room, backstage, and under-stage offices will be complemented by a new electrical system, improved modern stormwater management infrastructure, and additional waterproofing and drainage to protect the outdoor venue from a warmer, wetter future.
Dell visitors will be able to enjoy renovated bathrooms with expanded ADA access. New water fountains–with water bottle filling stations will be installed.
Bittenbender Construction is the prime contractor for this project, working alongside Fidelity Fire Alarm. Gilmore and Associates will serve as a prime designer working alongside DCM Architecture and Engineering.
Construction is expected to be completed in August 2023.
Due to construction, the Dell is planning to host an abridged “Essence of Entertainment” series in 2023 to welcome back some of its signature events. The abridged season is expected to run from mid-August to late September 2023.
The City-run outdoor amphitheater (located in East Fairmount Park) will announce opening dates and lineups from the abbreviated 2023 concert season in May 2023.
Season ticket holders can expect information about a modified season ticket package at that time.
The Dell Box Office expects to open to the public in June 2023.
