New Colorado Springs music venue expected to draw visitors, dollars
Editor’s note: After this article was originally published, the venue was renamed to Ford Amphitheater, and the story has been updated to reflect the new name.
By Malena Larsen
This summer, Colorado Springs adds to the state’s collection of picturesque music venues with the Ford Amphitheater. The new venue “is the brainchild of (Notes Live) chairman and CEO JW Roth,” says Chloe Hoeft, Notes Live vice president of marketing & communications. “Recognizing the city’s lack of a large-scale outdoor venue, the project promises to take live music experiences to new heights.”
The amphitheater is projected to generate over $102 million annually, create over 500 jobs, and contribute $41 million in taxes in the next decade.
“The amphitheater will draw in residents from around the state,” Colorado Springs economic development director, Jessie Kimber says. “Plus, it helps our residents stay local, improving their quality of life and allowing them to avoid long trips up I-25.”
According to Hoeft, the venue is a “music lover’s dream” equipped with state-of-the-art audio, visuals, and monitoring technology. The 8,000-capacity venue has luxury VIP fire pit suites, traditional seating, a self-draining grass berm with hydro-chill technology, and ample food and drink options.
While Ford Amphitheater doesn’t open to the public until August 9, there is already a powerhouse lineup planned for the late summer season. The lineup includes both musical acts and comedians – look for OneRepublic, The Beach Boys, Jim Gaffigan and others.
“The project offers a premium outlet for music fans to enjoy their favorite artist or band while watching the sun set over Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain,” Hoeft describes.
“We are very excited to add (Ford Amphitheater) to the repertoire of awesome things to do in Colorado Springs,” Kimber says.
Colorado Springs sprawls over 195-square miles, making it the largest city in Colorado by land area. Its attractions are scattered throughout the city and the surrounding areas, making it pretty easy to make a vacation or staycation out of exploring the area.
To find the new venue, visitors will head to the Polaris Pointe development on the north end of Colorado Springs. It is neighbored by the United States Air Force Academy Stadium and the Air Force Glass Chapel.
“We’re growing into a cosmopolitan city. We have all the things that a big city has to offer with a small-town, community feel,” Kimber says. “People here bend over backwards to make people feel welcome. Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll enjoy the beautiful landscape and probably make a friend!”
“We are excited to show Colorado Springs all that we have been working on and really make our City of Champions proud,” Hoeft concludes. “This project is the blood, sweat, and tears of our team. Seeing all the smiling faces of music fans, shareholders, partners, friends and family is going to be very special.”
Malena Larsen is a writer and Minnesota transplant. In addition to writing, she spends her time running in the mountains, visiting local craft breweries, and avoiding aggressive geese.
This story is in our May-June print issue. Click here to read the full magazine.