Since the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, Colorado opened in August 2024, the venue has found itself the target of criticism and complaints from the community regarding noise levels during concerts. As part of its ongoing investigation into the theater, the city of Colorado Springs is asking the public to speak up about their experiences living near the concert venue in a listening session next week.
According to local new outlet KRDO, community members are invited to a neighborhood listening session on December 17th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Colorado Springs mayor Yemi Mobolade and City Council President Randy Helms are hosting the session, which will be held at The Classical Academy Brown Center for the Arts. Session attendees will have the chance to discuss noise mitigation strategies with leaders of the Ford Amphitheater, including representatives from Venu Holding Corporation, the theater’s owners. The meeting is part of Venu’s promise to “be a good neighbor” amidst ongoing noise complaints.
The city of Colorado Springs sided with Ford Amphitheater after its controversial opening, clearing the venue of any wrongdoing. However, the complaints haven’t stopped rolling in regarding noise levels, traffic, and litter around the surrounding area from concert goers. Residents who live near the theater allege that they can hear noise from concerts miles away, particularly in windy conditions when noise tends to travel further. In fact, a local group called the Northside Neighbors Association filed a lawsuit claiming that Venu’s special noise permit violates state law, but that case was recently dismissed by a judge.
Despite the aforementioned issues, Ford Amphitheater is up for New Concert Venue of the Year in North America in the 2025 Pollstar awards, competing against several other venues in the U.S. for the honors. Voting for the award recently closed, and winners will be announced at the Pollstar Awards on February 19th during the Pollstar Live! Conference.
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Wow! How exciting 🙄