The Sears Centre is located within Prairie Stone Business Park, less than a half-mile west of the old Poplar Creek Music Theater. The old amphitheatre brings back good memories to many of the residents in the area.
Poplar Creek Music Theater opened in June 1980 with an inaugural concert featuring John Denver. The $15 million amphitheatre not only hosted concerts, but also community theater, ballets, and even high school graduation ceremonies.
Some of the artists that performed at the amphitheatre:
- John Denver
- Barry Manilow
- Paul Anka
- Tom Jones
- Bob Hope & Barbara Eden
- Isaac Stern & Members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Charles Aznavour
- Henry Mancini & Sarah Vaughn
- New York Philharmonic
- The Blues Brothers
- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
- The Beach Boys
- Chicago
- Jefferson Starship
- Sammy Hagar & The Joe Perry Project
- Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band
- Kenny Loggins & Firefall
- Diana Ross
- The Cars
Sears acquired the land in 1989 and allowed Poplar Creek Music Theater to continue until 1994 when it was removed for new development. A 295-room full service Marriott Hotel now sits on the footprint of the old stage and seating for the Poplar Creek Music Theater.