ORLANDO, Fla. — Big changes are coming to Orlando's Lake Eola amphitheater. Plans call for the iconic green entertainment venue to get a new look.
City officials said it is part of a larger plan to expand Orlando's entertainment districts.
Currently the way the amphitheater is situated, guests have their backs to the street that runs along the lake and much of their view of the lake is blocked by the bandshell. The new design will shift the position of the bandshell, allowing guests a better view of the lake and fountain.
"I think that would look great," said resident Brian Delaney.
Delaney just moved to downtown Orlando from Boston and said he loves how close his apartment is to Lake Eola.
When Channel 9's Deneige Broom showed him how the new amphitheater could look, he was all for it.
"I think any time you can do something awesome on the water front it's a good thing to do," said Delaney.
Officials with Project DTO – Advancing Downtown Orlando just released two possible design concepts for a new amphitheater. It would be a part of the larger project to make Lake Eola more attractive as a destination.
Leaders hope to transform the lake and the amphitheater into downtown's "fifth entertainment venue."
The proposed designs wouldn't have fixed seats and would have room for grass seating instead. There would be a beach area where the lake meets the park but people wouldn't be able to swim.
Officials said the biggest change would be having the structure face more of the lake, rather than face North Rosalind Avenue.
Resident Mary Wesley said she has mixed feelings about the scenery of her walk changing.
"I'm so used to seeing it like it is now, and me personally I'd like to keep it how it is. But now, change is good," said Wesley.
Officials have not said when any changes to the amphitheater might take place.