The stage at the outdoor amphitheater purchased by Pierce County last year was destroyed by fire early June 27. The amphitheater is part of the Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center site acquired from Champions Centre church for $6.9 million.
The Pierce County fire marshal’s office said the fire’s cause appears to be electrical failure.
The stage, 150 feet long and 30 feet wide, was burned extensively with a $100,000 preliminary damage estimate. The clean up process was to start immediately, according to Kent Baskett, parks superintendent.

The main building on the site was unaffected and parks officials said recreation classes and summer camps will continue as scheduled in that facility.

The amphitheater was the home of a popular religious pageant for nearly 25 years. The “Jesus of Nazareth” drama attracted thousands of people each summer from throughout the Puget Sound area.