Big songs. Bigger production. Better Experience.

    Beneath Colorado’s wide-open sky, with beautiful views of mountains behind the stage, Founder and CEO J.W. Roth warmly invites guests “to experience big songs from big artists in a bigger production of live shows packed with energy at Ford Amphitheater.”

The  premier, luxury open-air concert venue is open for business at 95 Spectrum Loop in Colorado Springs, nestled in the Polaris Pointe development and entertainment district east of I-25. It is quickly becoming a unique landmark with unmistakable presence in the area.

For J.W., the vision behind Ford Amphitheater was deeply personal. J.W. is passionate about music, and he imagined a venue designed not only for artists, but for fans. “Music is the ultimate uniter,” J.W. shared.

J.W. and his son Mitchell founded VENU Holding Corporation to become purveyors of live music, hospitality and destination-driven experiences. Together, they developed the Ford Amphitheater alongside Roth’s Sea & Steak, the upscale dining concept that anchors the venue’s luxury hospitality offerings. Readers can learn more about Mitchell Roth in The Castle Pines Connection’s May issue.

.

Like many Coloradans, J.W., who is a fifth-generation native, often traveled north for major concerts at Folsom Field or Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He noticed a sharp contrast between the luxury experience often available at professional sporting events and the standard concert-going experience. Sports fans usually get incredible seating options such as floor level or club-level with private catering and wait staff.  Meanwhile, concertgoers experience general seating, long lines, portable restrooms and concession food.

J.W. believed fans deserved more. He saw an opportunity to create something different and closer to his home, and he had three requirements: premium seating, elevated food and a high-end concert experience with exceptional acoustics. 

By blending architecture, technology and hospitality into one seamless entertainment destination, J.W.’s vision became the foundation for Ford Amphitheater. Originally launched as Sunset Amphitheater, the venue opened in August 2024 with performances from School of Rock, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Phil Vassar – followed by three sold-out nights featuring OneRepublic during its opening week. 

Today, the 8,000-seat amphitheater offers experiences tailored to every style of concertgoer. Guests can choose from lawn seating, lower bowl sections, Club VIP suites, or the venue’s signature LUXE FireSuites.

LUXE FireSuites are a signature VENU experience which place guests close to the stage in private, fire pit-centered lounges accommodating two to 10 people. The suites combine comfort, privacy and upscale dining, allowing guests to relax, celebrate and enjoy performances in a way rarely found at traditional amphitheaters. With purchase of the LUXE FireSuites, the ticketholder has a fractional ownership of the amphitheater. (LUXE FireSuites are currently sold out).

J.W. wanted fans to have a space that felt safe and welcoming without losing edge or authenticity. Designed as fractional ownership, LUXE FireSuites places guests close to the stage in private, fire pit-centered areas accommodating two to 10 guests. The suites combine comfort, privacy and upscale dining, allowing guests to relax, celebrate and enjoy performances in a way rarely found at traditional amphitheaters.

Working alongside several booking agents, Ford Amphitheater has already welcomed an impressive roster of performers and comedians, including The Black Keys, Sublime, Chicago, Train, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Weird Al Yankovic and Pentatonix.

This season’s lineup continues the momentum with performances from The Black Crowes with Whiskey Meyers, comedian John Mulaney, O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw and Phantom Planet. One of the summer’s anticipated attractions is the Star-Spangled Symphony and Grand Fireworks Show on the Fourth of July. And one of the hottest tickets this season is Lynyrd Skynrd in September, which J.W. lights up when mentioning (see page 2).

Despite advances in technology, AI and concerts streaming online, J.W. remains confident in the enduring power of live music. “Song writing still happens,” he said. “There is still magic for artists to capture and engage with their fans.”

For concert schedule, ticket price and more information, visit fordamphitheater.live.

By ViVi Somphon