The concert venue at the patriotic-themed Freedom Hill park in Macomb County is now officially named the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre.

The Michigan Lottery bureau paid $900,000 for the naming rights to the 7,000-seat outdoor theater in August. The name change took effect on Jan. 1 and today County Executive Mark Hackel joined Tom Celani of Luna Entertainment, the amphitheater owner, to mark the transition at a press event.

The state is paying for a 3-year ($300,000 annually) deal, with two 3-year options to follow. Celani, who co-owns the business with restaurateur Joe Vicari, has said the extra advertising revenue will help pay for premier acts to perform at the site. Luna works under Palace Sports & Entertainment in booking performers.

The surrounding 125-acre park, located in Sterling Heights, will continue to be named Freedom Hill County Park. Since its creation decades ago, the recreational facility has offered a military theme, with an old battle tank and jet fighter prominently displayed on the grounds.

The final event held under the banner of the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre was an energized campaign rally two days before the November election for Donald Trump, with native Detroit rocker Ted Nugent playing the National Anthem.

 

Photo: The huge roadside marquee on Metropolitan Parkway features the new name of the concert venue, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, and an electronic version of a photo of County Executive Mark Hackel.

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