The Northwest Georgia Bank Amphitheatre may soon become a regular venue for local and national acts, according to Chris Thomas, president of Ooltewah-based Palo Duro Presents.

“Catoosa County seems to be a great community that supports music,” said Thomas, who also heads Palo Duro Records and operates the non-profit Chattanooga Market. “We are really excited, there are only a handful of venues in this area where you can hold ticketed outdoor events.”

County commissioners were unanimous in approving a contract that will have Thomas market and manage the 1,800-seat facility adjacent The Colonnade at the Benton Place Campus.

Thomas said his company will manage the facility at no cost and split gross revenue with the county on a 50-50 basis.

“We are taking on financial risks,” he said.

But with those risks Thomas hopes there will be rewards for both his company and the greater community.

While the facility is first rate, Thomas said not having a group familiar with attracting talent to an outdoor venue has been a hindrance and is something he hopes to change.

“We will try to raise national attention, to let people know what is available in the area,” he said. “Our goal is to put some shows in there next year, but we’d eventually like to see a regular series of concerts.”

Thomas said initial efforts will focus on developing an online presence (www.nwgbamp.com), spreading the word about this venue that is so conveniently located to the Tri-State area.

Noting the sold out Summerset concert on Aug. 17 that featured Colbie Caillat and We The Kings, Thomas said, “Everything is done right over there, it couldn’t be better.”