Gatton Park Stage to be Named for CommonSpirit Health

LEXINGTON –  Gatton Park on the Town Branch announced today that the amphitheater stage will be named CommonSpirit Health Stage in honor of a significant donation from Saint Joseph Health, a part of CommonSpirit, the nation’s largest nonprofit health system with more than 2,200 care sites in 24 states.

“As part of CommonSpirit Health, we believe a thriving community, enriched by the arts and connected through shared spaces like this park, is essential to the well-being of all,” said Saint Joseph Health President Matt Grimshaw, MBA. “Saint Joseph Health and CommonSpirit believe that by investing in spaces that foster physical activity, artistic expression, and human connection, we're building a stronger, healthier community for everyone.” 

Entertainment, both large and small-scale, will perform on the stage. 

The donation, which was made to the now-completed capital campaign, also designates Saint Joseph Health as the park’s official health-care partner.

“We’re so grateful for Saint Joseph Health’s generous support,” said Allison Lankford, CEO of Gatton Park and Conservancy. “Their commitment to health and well-being is a perfect match for what this park—and this stage—are all about: bringing people together to connect, celebrate and feel good in every sense of the word. We can’t wait to see this space come alive with music, movement and moments that uplift our entire community.”

The park also announced a contract with Oak View Group (OVG) to be the exclusive booking agent for at least 15 ticketed events on the CommonSpirit Health Stage. Audiences can expect a dynamic and diverse lineup of professional touring events, including live concerts, nationally touring comedy acts, family-friendly shows, and specialty performances designed to entertain and inspire. These ticketed events will showcase national and international talent, helping establish Gatton Park as a premier destination for world-class entertainment in the heart of Lexington. 

OVG will book and fully manage the events, including event logistics, ticketing, marketing, staffing, production and security. The park will retain booking control over other community and non-profit events and rentals.

Finally, Gatton Park announced that DLS Events will serve as the park’s food and beverage provider, operating daily out of a repurposed vintage boxcar from R.J. Corman Railroad Group, with expanded services for major events. DLS is a national full-service concessionaire serving some of the largest festivals and premier venues across the country. 

"DLS Events is incredibly excited to partner with Gatton Park from Day One,” said David Solomon, president & owner of DLS Events. “As a brand-new destination for the community, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the visitor experience from the ground up. Together, we’re creating a hospitality program that reflects the beauty and energy of the park—featuring fresh, locally inspired menus, seasonal specialties and a welcoming service. From Kentucky classics like bourbon, BBQ and sweet tea to family-friendly fare, our offerings will celebrate local flavor while providing something for everyone. Whether guests are here for a quiet afternoon or a major event, they’ll find high-quality, convenient and memorable dining options that enhance their time at the park.”

The park will open on Saturday, Aug. 23, with the official ribbon-cutting to take place at noon followed by a full afternoon and evening of community-friendly programming. 

Gatton Park on the Town Branch is being built by the community for the community with private donations. Led by a dedicated staff and volunteer board of directors comprised of civic leaders and philanthropists, Town Branch Park, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit, is working to transform acres of parking in the Manchester Parking Lot behind Rupp Arena into Gatton Park on the Town Branch, an inviting, dynamic, fun, and uncommonly beautiful green space that will reflect the culture and spirit of Lexington. The park will be funded, programmed and maintained through private donations and grants. Visit www.GattonPark.org for more information.

###