Given that the project, which has been proposed by the owners ofthe new Minnesota Wild professional hockey team in conjunction withconcert promoter Rose Presents, is competing against three othersin the Twin Cities, such a delay could jeopardize the project. TheTwin Cities is one of the last big markets in the country withoutone.

The facility, which would host 25 to 35 concerts per season, isplanned to built on the site of the former Freeway Landfill andQuarry, a 159-acre site located just south of the Minnesota Riverto the west of I-35W. The promoters forecast that only about fourconcerts a year would fill the amphitheater to its 19,500-personcapacity.

Burnsville city officials consider the project an important stepin a larger city vision to reclaim the riverfront, turning it froman area of heavy industrial use to one of more environmentallyresponsible activities and long-term economic growth. The planningcommission's recommendation will be considered at the BurnsvilleCity Council's meeting Aug. 21.