COLORADO SPRINGS FORWARD: Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs opened Aug. 9. (Trevor Cokley)
OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins have deep ties to the city
The first venue developed by Venu, formerly known as Notes Live, has opened, with Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs seeing 24,000 attendees over three sold-out nights featuring hometown favorites OneRepublic Aug. 9-11.
During the celebration, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade presented the Spirit of the Springs award to OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins, who have deep ties to the city. The annual award honors individuals for their achievements and contributions to the community.
Owned by Venu and operated in partnership with AEG Presents, Ford Amphitheater is the first of many multiple venues under development by the company founded by Colorado Springs-based entrepreneur JW Roth. The 8,000-capacity venue had a soft open on Aug. 6 with School of Rock, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and country artist Phil Vassar. Friday night experienced a few rain showers but not enough to dampen the excitement.
“From the moment we began, we knew we were onto something special, but what we’ve learned and experienced has far exceeded our expectations,” Roth said. “We’ve crafted incredible fan and artist experience that truly hits the mark. We know our disruptive approach might challenge the norm, but the response from artists, bands, promoters and fans has been unanimous—this is the most exciting way to present a show.” The new kid on the block is making waves, and it’s clear that bookers and promoters now have to consider how this fresh energy is going to change the game. The reality has blown us all away, and we can’t wait to show fans, and the industry, what’s next.”
Local news outlets reported noise complaints over the opening weekend, to which venue executives said they were monitoring and staying under the agreed decibel limit it had reached with the city when being granted its noise permit.
Venu encompasses Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, Boot Barn Hall, Notes Eatery, the Ford Amphitheater and Sunset Amphitheaters. With established entertainment campuses in Colorado Springs and Gainesville, Georgia, Venu is also expanding with new locations in Oklahoma and Texas featuring venue seating capacities ranging from 12,500 to 20,000.
The venues are not your typical amphitheaters in design, with the McKinney, Texas, project sporting a $220 million price tag with plans to feature 295 firepit suites and 350-member owner’s club.
At completion, the Colorado Springs entertainment complex is projected to cost in excess of $90 million, which includes the addition of Roth’s Seafood and Chophouse and Owners Club on the perimeter of the Ford Amphitheater and the acquisition of additional on-site parking.
“The new kid on the block is making waves, and it’s clear that bookers and promoters now have to consider how this fresh energy is going to change the game,” added Roth. “The reality has blown us all away, and we can’t wait to show fans, and the industry, what’s next.”
