{image1} Workers broke ground Wednesday for the new Miller Lite Oasis Stage on the Summerfest grounds, to be completed June 1, 2006.

Replacing the current 30,000 sq. ft. site, which had a total seating and standing capacity of approximately 5,000, will be a 52,000 sq. foot site capable of accommodating about 9,500 people. Near the existing stage, new state-of-the-art structure will be built facing east and moved underneath I-794, allowing for stage and capacity expansion.

The new construction includes a new stage building, Miller signage, Miller VIP upper deck area with a double food vendor building below, improved landscaping and lighting, and a unique roof design with structural requirements to hang sound equipment and lights from the underside.

Upgraded additional facilities include three dressing rooms with partitions for flexibility in use, a stage manager's office, a rear loading dock, and a private VIP viewing deck. A new VIP upper deck/vendor building will be added near the current building and will feature an open-air, partially covered facility with a private conference room. The building will be fully ADA accessible.