Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands out as an iconic outdoor venue due to its beautiful acoustics. Musicians of all genres come back year after year to perform here – such as legendary acts such as the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix!
Millions of years of geologic forces combined to form this breathtakingly beautiful concert venue. But it took a Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration project, led by Denver architect Burnham Hoyt, to turn those rocks into an amphitheater.
History
Red Rocks amphitheater has hosted thousands of concerts and other entertainment events in its 75-year history, often following popular musical trends; opera, classical music concerts and chamber orchestra performances typically dominating early 1900s to 1940s concerts; giving way to soft rock during 1960s/70s performances and then eventually psychedelic rock in later decades.
Hoyt designed his amphitheater to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings, working with Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees and Denver city officials to construct seating areas. His aim was to design something “with minimal architecture that does not detract from its great beauty or exceptional acoustics.”
Lily Pons was the inaugural opera star to perform at Red Rocks on July 3, 1952. Renowned for both her film work and having an entire Maryland town named after her, Lily had one of the most celebrated careers among opera singers of this century.
Seating
Red Rocks provides an unforgettable concert experience for its nearly 9,500-person capacity audience. Its natural amphitheatre’s domed shape and surrounding red sandstone formations enhance sound quality for an unparalleled listening experience no matter what genre of music is being enjoyed.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides both Reserved and General Admission seating options depending on which show is being staged at Red Rocks, depending on its capacity. The first few rows at the front and top provide Reserved seating, with rows 1-30 being General Admission seats; Reserved seating is indicated in green on this map while General Admission seats are marked in blue.
Visitors attending shows at the amphitheatre have various parking lots available to them. Car owners should park in either Upper South Lot or Top Circle Lot – these two lots are closer to the amphitheater and it is advised that comfortable shoes, such as hiking boots or regular sneakers, be worn since there will likely be some walking involved in getting from car to venue.
Amphitheater
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre draws music enthusiasts, outdoor exercisers and geology enthusiasts from all over the world. Ship Rock and Creation Rock both offer incredible acoustics; Red Rocks also offers stunning events spaces, concert venues, visitor centers, trading posts, two music Halls of Fame as well as hiking trails – making this park truly one-of-a-kind!
The amphitheater seats 9,000 guests within its spacious, unique seating area. It offers close-up views of the stage from its first rows while rows 12-20 provide an equal balance of sight and sound.
Concertgoers are welcome to tailgate before shows in the amphitheater’s parking lots, with non-alcoholic beverages sold in factory sealed plastic bottles allowed, unless specifically prohibited by a show. Concession stands are located inside both the amphitheater and Visitor Center offering food such as chicken fingers, hot dogs, nachos, ice cream as well as drinks such as draft beer, margaritas and Coke products; additionally there is also The Rocks Restaurant located within its confines which serves full-service meals and drinks throughout its seated capacity.
Getting There
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides an unforgettable concert experience, having garnered the praise of legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead. Here, visitors can experience Colorado culture first-hand in an exciting open-air setting.
No matter if it’s concerts or exploring the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, this iconic venue has something exciting for everyone to experience.
Arrive early to maximize your experience. Parking lots are included in the ticket price and usually open two hours prior to showtime, with upper lots typically offering shorter walks than lower lots but often filling quickly if they fill. Don’t worry if Upper North or Lower South lots fill quickly; other alternatives exist! It is wise to bring water and snacks with you; that walk at 6,500 feet can take some time; dehydration could put an end to any show!