Following record-breaking concert ticket sales in North America during 2023, a new wave of venue development is bringing major live music experiences to previously underserved mid-sized cities across the United States.
Colorado-based company VENU is leading this transformation with their innovative amphitheater concept. Their first project, the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, opened in summer 2023 with a capacity of 8,000 and upscale amenities like gas fire pits set against Rocky Mountain views.
VENU aims to replicate this high-end concert space model in dozens of mid-sized cities, with five more venues currently under construction in Oklahoma and Texas. The company carefully selects locations where new entertainment facilities can drive substantial economic benefits, often securing tax incentives from eager municipalities.
Major concert promoters like AEG Presents and Live Nation are partnering with these new venues to bring top-tier artists to smaller markets. While building and owning venues requires significant investment, promoters see value in operating these spaces to expand their reach.
However, the introduction of large concert venues into residential areas hasn't been without challenges. In Colorado Springs, hundreds of residents have voiced concerns about noise levels, reporting they can hear performances from miles away. VENU has committed $3 million toward sound mitigation measures including additional walls and speaker system modifications.
Despite these growing pains, VENU CEO J.W. Roth reports strong interest from other cities eager to attract entertainment development. The Colorado Springs venue has already spurred additional economic growth, with two new hotels and five restaurants opening nearby.
As the live music industry continues expanding into new markets, these purpose-built venues could transform mid-sized cities into thriving entertainment destinations, though finding the right balance with local communities remains an ongoing process.