Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Denver is one of the city‘s iconic outdoor music venues, known for its natural acoustics framed by Creation and Ship Rocks.
After an attempted gatecrash at a Jethro Tull concert, Denver Mayor Bill McNichols banned rock shows altogether. Fey’s show of strength and marketing acumen changed this decision in no time at all.
The History
Red Rocks offers musicians a historic stage to perform on, seating over 9,000 roaring music fans and offering one-of-a-kind acoustics and ambience that have long made this legendary performance space one of their favorites. Red Rocks draws many of today’s acclaimed performers due to its natural acoustics and one-of-a-kind atmosphere – making Red Rocks an invaluable place for every performance experience.
Red Rocks was first used by the Ute tribe before John Brisben Walker, a Denver real estate mogul, transformed it into a tourist attraction in 1906 under its previous name – Garden of the Titans.
Civilian Conservation Corps members created this amphitheater using stone, gravel and dirt moved using picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. Sandstone formations at Ship and Creation Rocks provide an amazing setting for concerts; concertgoers can either sit directly on them or view from terraces below them; many also bring blankets or chairs for additional viewing pleasure! In addition, this venue serves as home to a small museum.
The Venue
Red Rocks not only hosts music concerts at its venue in Colorado Springs but also provides yoga on the rocks during summer, classic and cult-favorite films for Film on the Rocks series and other outdoor events. Red Rocks draws people not only from around Denver Metro Area for concerts but from all corners of state and nation bringing revenue for hotels, restaurants and businesses in Red Rocks area.
Red Rocks can provide musicians with an invaluable test-bed. For instance, Red Rocks’s acoustics can really bring out the best in Glass Animals or Brandi Carlile – their vocals may pierce through as their songs work perfectly on The Rocks; fans often feel connected to it as well – sharing its history while participating in an active community of musicians who know how to perform at The Rocks.
The View
Red Rocks is a National Historic Landmark and iconic Colorado destination, known for its two geologically formed sandstone monoliths offering seamless acoustics that draw musicians of every genre to perform there. It has also inspired members of the Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead to opera singers and members of the Colorado Symphony to visit.
Red Rocks provides general admission seating and ADA-compliant seats in an expansive, uniquely shaped space that seats nearly 9,000 people. While those closest to the stage will enjoy incredible views from front rows seats, even those further back can still take in breathtaking vistas of iconic rocks and surrounding scenery. Attractions at Red Rocks include free visitor center displays as well as film showing; heart of Rock Room exhibition offers memorabilia from many famous performers who have played here; as well as exploring and learning more about its rich history through free Visitor Center displays and films at this unique space – which offers educational displays about Red Rocks history!
The Experience
Red Rocks’ iconic venue with its breathtaking views, distinct acoustics, and diverse music is unquestionably worthy of visitation, but its 868 acres offer much more: geological wonders such as pine tree-speckled geology sites; wildlife habitats and dinosaur fossils make this park worth seeing!
Red Rocks provides something for everyone – whether that means listening to an orchestrated show or taking in an intimate performance, with its steep pitch and breathtaking view providing guests an amazing atmosphere for dancing and singing along! Plus, its steep pitch creates an unparalleled sense of freedom while creating an incredible environment in which to do both!
Arrive early when attending an amphitheater show for optimal experience; general admission lines begin forming well ahead of concert start times, and it’s wise to secure your place early on. To bypass lines altogether, choose shuttle bus ticket when purchasing your ticket; it will arrive immediately when show ends!
