Improvements of a 3.5-acre outdoor venue at the Shriners Event Center are positioning the West Plains facility to host more large-scale events, including concerts, weddings, festivals, and community gatherings, says Megan Smith, business manager for El Katif Shriners.

The outdoor venue, now known as Spokane Concert Park, is located behind the Shriners Event Center at 7217 W. Westbow Blvd., southeast of Spokane International Airport.

Following months of site improvements, the space now accommodates up to 2,500 people, says concert organizer Craig Heimbigner, founder of Too Far North Productions, in Spokane.

The space previously has been used for events, says Smith, adding that the venue upgrades will allow the organization to host larger events on a more consistent basis. 

"More than 30 trees were removed and truckloads of rock were hauled away," Smith says. "Workers invested hundreds of man hours over a three- to four-month period, transforming the property into a more functional event venue. That's what we are here at the event center is a venue. ... Obviously, if we can bring in revenue through it, it will help our philanthropic efforts with the groups we serve."

Spokane Concert Park isn't the only outdoor venue in the area, but it has a different atmosphere, contends Danny Nelson, owner of Cheney-based event production company Hero Event Support, which is helping with an upcoming show and some future productions in the space.

"The casinos have outdoor space that can really bring in some good shows," Nelson says. "But this venue is much more relaxed and personal for the audience."

The venue will host its first major concert Aug. 15, organized by Heimbigner featuring music from the 1980s and '90s, including bands Men at Work, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Shonen Knife. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. 

Heimbigner, who has over 35 years of experience, says the concert showcases the newly improved venue as a destination for larger outdoor entertainment events in the Inland Northwest.