EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP): Candidates for Evansville City Council say a public-private partnership could help revive the closed Mesker Amphitheater.

The amphitheater was shut down in 2012 due to safety concerns, with problems cited including storm damage to the stage roof and mold in dressing rooms.

Both council member Al Lindsey and his Democratic primary challenger Jim Brinkmeyer say restoring the amphitheater would be more feasible with the help of a private group. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has said he's open to suggestions about what to do with the amphitheater.

Consultants hired by the city have said it would cost at least $10 million to $12 million to restore the amphitheater.

The facility opened in 1951 and has attracted acts such as the Doobie Brothers and Bob Dylan.