City of Carbondale asks for public’s help naming new entertainment & events plaza

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The City of Carbondale received $2 million in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets program to construct Phase 1 of a downtown entertainment and events plaza.

The plaza will provide a state-of-the-art performance venue that celebrates entertainment and the performing arts and attracts visitorsfrom across the region and beyond to the heart of
Carbondale.

The city invites the public to join the Stage Name Brainstorm. City leaders welcome ideas and input to name the Entertainment and Events Plaza by gathering submissions for consideration through an online form.

The submission deadline is February 12 at 5 p.m. The city council will review the list of submissions and make the final decision.

The new venue will encompass a wide variety of bands, groups, performers, acts, etc. Local and national talent will be hosted there. The plaza will be available for rent by the public for both public and private events.

The plaza’s timeline:

• Phase 1
  • Will include a permanent stage, an ADA-compliant parking lot, and a large lawn that will accommodate thousands of guests or a multitude of events. The completion of Phase 1 will enable the community to host entertainment and performing arts events in the heart of our community.
• Phase 2
  • Will bring additional amenities to the Plaza such as; a market activity pavilion with permanent restrooms, an acoustic wall along the railroad track, and special accessible seating, and will provide the capability to host ticketed events. The as-yet unfunded Phase 2 will be completed as funding allows.

City leaders say the name should be welcoming and inclusive of all.

Things to consider:

• The venue will attract various local and national bands, groups, performers, acts, etc.
• The venue will help lift Carbondale’s artistic subculture and celebrate the people, artists, and cultural organizations that make our community unique.
• The venue will welcome diversity and provide entertainment, recreation, and desirable gathering areas for all ages.
• The venue’s name should be welcoming and accepting of all.
• The completion of this venue will respond to the economic harm and health concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide additional momentum for the revitalization of Carbondale’s downtown.

Questions for inspiration:

• Does this name reflect the City of Carbondale?
• Does this name honor an artist who influenced the entertainment scene in Carbondale and beyond?
• Does this name reference a historical site or happening within Carbondale?
• Does this name embrace an abstract thought, feeling, or mindset of southern Illinois and/or the Carbondale arts & music scene?

Submit your idea for the venue name and a brief explanation of why you chose it, along with any historical context that might support your idea in the form. Tap here to view the project, guidelines, and updates. The submission deadline is February 12 at 5 p.m.

Related story:

Carbondale to receive more than $2 million grant for downtown entertainment, events plaza