Spearfish Amphitheater Sold To Local Developer

An amphitheater in Spearfish that hosted the Black Hills Passion Play for nearly 70 years has been sold.

Local developer Rand Williams bought the 6,000-seat facility for an undisclosed price early this month.

Williams say he plans upgrades that will include state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and large video screens.

The amphitheater constructed on a natural slope on Spearfish's west side attracted millions of visitors for its summer productions of the Passion Play between 1939 and the last performance in 2008. The play recreated the last seven days of Christ.

Williams says he bought the amphitheater but not the play production. He plans public meetings to get input on the best uses for the facility.