On Aug. 4, 2017, Plant City-based manufacturer, GT Grandstands will commemorate the construction milestone of “topping off” at the new Strawberry Festival Grandstand. This ceremony marks the point of installation when the last piece of steel is used to “top off” the infrastructure.

The company and its partners at the Strawberry Festival will gather at the site for a celebratory lunch.

According to Greg Buckner, general manager and vice president of PlayCore Seating Brands, traditionally “topping off” ceremonies are celebratory of the completion of the steel erection phase of a project and are “positive reminders of progress and work to come.”

GT Grandstands, a manufacturer of aluminum seating in the United States, will construct a new amphitheater grandstand for the 2018 festival. The new structure provides more seats for the growing crowds coming from all over Florida and the United States, and also elevates the festival's appeal for future entertainment.

The improved, integrated acoustics for the new stadium will provide top of the line concert accommodations for both acts and fans.

Construction began in May 2017 and is slated to continue throughout the summer. The new galvanized steel grandstand features i-beam construction and a wraparound design. It includes seating with backrests for all 8,500 spaces.

The project will be completed before The Florida Strawberry Festival's opening day on March 1, 2018.