PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Work is underway to repair the Union Bank and Trust Pavilion in Portsmouth.
City Engineer James Wright told council members Thursday crews will work this summer to replace the main support mast, which holds the canopy.
That canopy, which covers the seat and pit area at the pavilion, was taken down last year after a structural deformity was found in the mast. Removal of the canopy impacted multiple shows in 2018.
Engineers discovered that water damage led to a 10-foot crack in the mast.
“We are pretty sure water got inside the structure then freezed and thawed, and then the pipe burst,” Wright told 10 On Your Side last July.
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The new mast has been designed to keep out water.
Wright said they will have computer programs set up to monitor what is going on with forces within the mast so real-time adjustments can be made if need be.
Wright said their goal is to have it ready to go by June 18th — which is two days before classic rock band Styx opens up the concert season.
The pavilion’s 2019 season is also slated to feature shows by Lionel Richie, Godsmack, Judah and the Lion and Slightly Stoopid. See a full list of shows at the pavilion at this link.