Groundbreaking recently took place in Pittsburgh's Lower Hill District, signifying the start of construction for a new music venue, Citizens Live at The Wylie, which is projected to open in the latter half of 2026. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, the venue will feature a 4,000-seat capacity within its 98,500-square-foot space and cater to a diverse range of events, from concerts to comedy shows.
The venue's name carries historical significance, reflecting the vibrant musical history of Wylie Avenue, once regarded as the "Harlem of Pittsburgh." President of Live Nation Pittsburgh, Tom Loudermilk, said, "We’re honored to create a space that amplifies the vibrant musical heritage of the Hill District and contributes fresh energy to its future," in a statement obtained by WPXI. The venue forms part of a larger initiative to revitalize the former Civic Arena site, which includes a new skyscraper housing First National Bank's headquarters.
Mayor Ed Gainey emphasized the project's significance for the local community: "For generations, artists from the Hill District inspired the world. Although we can’t change the past, we can honor those who came before – and build a better future for everyone," as reported by WPXI. In addition to honoring the district's legacy, the development aims to stimulate further investment in the Greater Hill District.
With an emphasis on employing over 300 individuals at a starting wage of $20 per hour, the project is poised to impact the region significantly. A unique feature of the venue will be a "retail incubator," designed to give local, especially Black-owned, businesses opportunities for visibility and growth. Moreover, a $2 surcharge from every ticket sold will be allocated to the Greater Hill District Neighborhood Reinvestment Fund, a strategy that Marimba Milliones, CEO of the Hill Community Development Corporation, pointed out as respectful to the history of the site and beneficial to the local community.
Live Nation is coordinating with various partners, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Fenway Sports Group, as part of this endeavor. The organization envisions hosting between 80 and 110 events annually and plans to feature prominently art from local visual artists within the venue, as mentioned by TribLIVE.
