Live Nation, one of the world’s largest live entertainment companies, is planning a new music venue in downtown Bentonville.
In collaboration with the Momentary, the venture has been dubbed the Bentonville Ballroom. The space, set to host national touring acts, community events and local performances, would be located adjacent to the Momentary.
With a capacity of 2,500, the space would add a midsize performance space to the city.
With plans to open in 2028, Bentonville Ballroom is estimated to generate $46.3 million in economic impact every year. The venue would support approximately 280 jobs, including venue employees earning starting wages of $20 per hour. In addition, the project is expected to generate approximately $4.9 million annually in state and local tax revenue.
The space will also be available for private and corporate events. The venue, including ticketing and programming, will be operated by Live Nation.
The proposed concept by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group of Denmark and Polk Stanley Wilcox of Little Rock, aims to reflect Bentonville’s natural setting. Early concepts feature natural materials, warm wood tones, and a layout that brings the Ozarks’ textures and light into the performance space.
“The vision is a venue that feels both modern and rooted, where art, architecture, and landscape work together to create an unforgettable setting for live music,” a press release from Live Nation stated.
Tom Walton, chair of the Momentary Council said in the release that Live Nation’s experience connecting artists and fans will accelerate Bentonville’s momentum with year-round, quality music experiences for residents and visitors.
“We’re honored to work with the Momentary to bring more music to Northwest Arkansas,” Anthony Nicolaidis, Live Nation’s Arkansas market president, said in the release. “This is going to be a special room that brings major artists to Bentonville, and creates a permanent cultural asset for the city — a place where local fans can see their favorite acts without having to travel.”
Live Nation plans to work with neighbors and city officials to review the proposal. Priorities include a parking plan that utilizes the Momentary’s garage spaces and connects the venue to Bentonville’s cycling infrastructure.
“We’re excited to see this investment in Bentonville’s live music infrastructure and enthusiastically support the Bentonville Ballroom project,” Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville, said in the release. “Live music delivers real economic value for Bentonville and attracts audiences from our community, the region, and beyond. In addition to music, the Bentonville Ballroom will also strengthen our unconventional convention offerings and expand our capacity to host high-impact cultural and business events.”
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