A privately funded renovation could bring a permanent stage and back-of-house buildings to Breese Stevens Field.
Big Top Events, the operator of Breese, is proposing the renovation to upgrade the concert experience as part of a 21-year use agreement.
According to a statement, Breese has hosted over 50 national musical acts since 2015, including Willie Nelson and Weezer.
The renovations aim to keep promoting Breese as the place for professional soccer, national concerts and community events.
But first, the renovation will need to go through an approval process with the city of Madison’s Board of Park Commissioners on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Big Top Events plans to conduct public forums throughout the process, which is expected to run throughout the year. Construction could begin in 2027.
“We are excited to enter the next 100 years of Breese Stevens Field with a major facility improvement,” said Big Top Events Chief Operating Officer and partner Conor Caloia in a statement. “These improvements will allow us to bring more national acts to Madison while enhancing the soccer match day atmosphere as part of a long-term commitment to the city of Madison.”
The proposed renovations include an overhaul of the Brearly Street end of the stadium, with a paved surface, a new concessions area, a locker room building and artist green rooms.
The new additions would allow for trucks and buses to move off surrounding streets and into the venue. The stage will be available to Forward Madison and Rally Madison fans to cheer from on match days.
Big Top Events hopes the addition of the stage will lead to community events including theater, ballet and symphonic music.
“We are really looking forward to the exciting new Breese Stevens Field update,” said Big Top Events founder and partner Steve Schmitt, in a statement. “It’s going to be a great step forward and an even better experience for our loyal fans.”
