Sergio Cortes & Matt Weir / The Collegian

Once an open-air venue for concerts, rallies and theatrical performances, the California State University, Fresno amphitheatre was legendary. However, the most action the amphitheatre has seen since the late 1960s is the usual morning smoke breaks on the entryway stairs.

Passers-by are now more likely to observe students acting as if the narrow cement pathways are balance beams then to catch a capacity filling performance.

“It was a great place for outdoor concerts when I was in school in the 1970s,â€Â said university photographer Randy Vaughn-Dotta. “I don’t know why it wouldn’t still be a great place for the same reasons now.â€Â

Located between the music and speech arts buildings, the university amphitheatre has the ability to hold up to 7,000 spectators. The likes of comedian Steve Martin, rock group Incubus and the Fresno Guitar Festival have graced the historic stage.

As semesters pass, however, the lot remains vacant. Rumors of the amphitheatre being condemned due to earthquakes, a hollow stage, unsafe scaffolding and even politics have flown around campus.

Don Priest, chair of the mass communication and journalism department said that in the past complaints about noise and the construction of the Save Mart Center in 2005 have brought the use of the amphitheatre to a standstill.

However, a meeting with Fresno State̢۪s plant operations last year indicated that the amphitheatre was not condemned according to Gary Nelson, coordinator for student activities and leadership development.

“There are some issues that would not allow hanging sound systems, they must be stacked,â€Â Nelson said. “However, the facility is available and can be used.â€Â

The only part of the stage that is not in good shape are the dressing rooms. However, Nelson said they will be remodeled.

Sally Ramage, the director of student involvement, said there are many factors impacting the debate to keep or not to keep the amphitheatre.

“As a venue for big name performers, today’s industry has changed so much that it is most likely not an acceptable venue [funding, costs, requirements],â€Â Ramage said.

In addition, Ramage said that the Save Mart Center provides security and parking and is essentially more functional for large events.

But some students question whether this should override the purpose of the amphitheatre.

Some students and several Associated Students, Inc. senators have inquired about the amphitheatre.

Most recently, the use of the amphitheatre was brought forth by former ASI president Graham Wahlberg, according to current ASI president Jessica Sweeten.

“ASI has met several times with the music and theatre departments, but there have been huge scheduling conflicts,â€Â Sweeten said. “ASI will continue to work through the issues and actively pursue this as something that many students have shown interest in.â€Â

Such as theatre arts major Kelsey Oliver, who said she would like to see the amphitheatre used again.

“They talk about it being condemned but we use it for rehearsal so it doesn’t seem like it’s going to fall down,â€Â Oliver said. “I’d love to see productions there.â€Â

The Campus Master Plan, funding, and scheduling conflicts have impacted the decision to move forward according to Ramage.

Plans to replace the amphitheatre with the new University High School made headlines in 2005, however, the California State University Board of Trustees reconsidered and gave the green light to build the high school west of the Smittcamp Alumni House.

However, a question still remains. When will the students get the green light to bring life back to the amphitheatre, after all, it is an amphitheatre.