With a different location each year (OK one year was just a move from grass to cement) Grub and Groove fans are getting used to changes, but this year’s move to the Andover Amphitheater was like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. “There’s an Andover Amphitheater?” was the general refrain.

Yes, Andover snuck one in on us. The $1.6 million amphitheater in Andover’s Central Park officially opened in April. The space had been in the city’s long-term plan for a while, but the original idea was to build a 600- capacity facility. To say they put that plan on steroids is an underestimate, this amphitheater can handle 10,000 in lawn chairs.

The city’s goal in mega-sizing the venue, was to make it a regional attraction. This summer, the City of Andover is promoting a monthly concert lineup, but the Grub and Groove Festival will be a big test of the facilities regional/ even statewide drawing power.

The facility is officially named the Capitol Federal Amphitheater, with the Topeka-based savings bank securing a 10-year naming-rights sponsorship.

The amphitheater is located east of Andover Road off Central. To get there from Wichita, take Kellogg, Central, 13th or 21st Street east to Andover Road, find your way to Central and go east past Andover Central Middle and High Schools.

In true amphitheater format, the sitting area slopes down to the stage, with the idea of giving everyone a good view. The amphitheater has a built-in sound system, enough loading space for multiple tour buses and will have two LED video boards on either side. While there’s some adjacent parking in Central Park, overflow parking is within walking distance. A shuttle service will be provided from parking at nearby Andover Central Middle and High Schools.