A fire that started at night at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach left heavy damage months before the Summer concert season.
Fire fighters from the Virginia Beach Fire Department swung into action to stop the fire at the amphitheater in the 3500 block of Cellar Door Way around 1:35 a.m.
According to a spokesperson for VBFD. When they got to the scene, crews reported seeing heavy fire showing in the rear of the venue.
Before the fire was put under control around 2:50 a.m., it had already caused heavy damage to the production area near the back of the stage near the loading dock. Pictures from the scene also show burn marks at the top of the stage.
No death was recorded as a result of the fire, however, one firefighter sustained minor injuries and was been treated in a local hospital.
The Virginia Beach amphitheater which is owned by Virginia Beach Economic Development Authority and was first opened in 1996 is the largest permanent music venue in Southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina with a sitting capacity of 20,000 people.
It’s currently leased by entertainment powerhouse Live Nation which manages its daily operations.
The Virginia Beach amphitheater had earlier been marked for renovation and the Virginia Beach City Council had already approved $1 million for that.
The cause of the fire was unknown at this time. It was also unclear if work has started on the facility.