100

Permanent Stage and Back-of-House Buildings Proposed For Breese Stevens Field

Soccer. Music. Community. The next 100 years of Madison’s iconic ground.

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Big Top Events, the operator of historic Breese Stevens Field, is proposing a privately funded renovation to transform the concert experience at the venue as part of a new, 21-year use agreement. The proposed plan includes a permanent stage and back-of-house buildings focused on maintaining Breese Stevens Field’s position as one of the most unique concert venues in the Midwest. Since 2015, Breese Stevens Field has hosted more than 50 national acts, including Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Willie Nelson, Weezer and Megan Moroney. 

As Breese Stevens Field celebrates its 100th anniversary, these proposed investments set a clear path for the venue’s next 100 years, with a focus on professional soccer, national concerts and community events. The City of Madison approval process will begin with the introduction of the plan to the Board of Park Commissioners on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Big Top Events plans to conduct public forums to engage the neighborhood and the greater community. The approval process is expected to run throughout 2026, with anticipated construction starting in 2027.

“We are excited to enter the next 100 years of Breese Stevens Field with a major facility improvement,” said Big Top Events Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Conor Caloia. “These improvements will allow us to bring more national acts to Madison while enhancing the soccer match day atmosphere as part of a long-term commitment to the City of Madison.”

The proposed improvements include an overhaul of the Brearly Street end of the stadium, including a paved surface, a new concessions area, a locker room building and artist green rooms. On show days, trucks and buses supporting the artist will be able to move off the surrounding streets and into the facility, limiting the neighborhood disruption.  For soccer matches, fans will be invited up onto the stage to form an intimidating wall of sound hovering directly over the top of the goal. 

In addition to national acts, Big Top Events hopes to program the stage with a variety of other community events that could potentially include theater, ballet and symphonic music.

“We are really looking forward to the exciting new Breese Stevens Field update,” said Big Top Events Founder and Partner, Steve Schmitt. “It’s going to be a great step forward and an even better experience for our loyal fans.”

How do I support this project?

This proposal (Legistar File 94638) meets the needs of a historic facility while opening the door to more nationally touring concerts in Madison, which means more business for local shops, restaurants, and hotels, and a bigger stage for the City of Madison itself.

If you'd like to support these improvements, we encourage you to share your thoughts and a letter of support with the following people before November 4th:

•      Eric Knepp, Superintendent of Parks: eknepp@cityofmadison.com

•      CJ Ryan, Assistant Superintendent: cryan@cityofmadison.com

•      Alder Davy Mayer: district6@cityofmadison.com

•      Board of Park Commissioners: pacommission@cityofmadison.com

Even a few sentences about what Breese Stevens Field means to you, your business, or your neighborhood can make a real difference. Thank you for being part of the next hundred years of this Madison landmark.

Questions? Contact us at info@breesestevensfield.com or fill out our feedback survey.