Live Nation to run two new amphitheatres in US

Live Nation has strengthened its venue portfolio by agreeing deals to run two new amphitheatres in the US.

The promoter is partnering with industry real estate company Swervo Development Corp on a 19,000-cap open-air facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, scheduled to open in late summer 2025.

The venue will host more than 30 concerts each season and is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy – creating 700 permanent jobs and serving as an anchor tenant for a $400 million (€381m) entertainment district being developed around the site.

Jordan Zachary, president venues for Live Nation, says the facility “fills a big gap in the local venue landscape”.

“Our Minneapolis-based team looks forward to creating a place where fans from all around can come to make lifelong memories while adding to the deep music history in Minnesota,” he says.

Set to be the region’s largest outdoor amphitheatre, it will include a covered lower bowl with prime seating, an elevated lawn, and both indoor and outdoor hangout spaces for fans. It will have 11,000 fixed seats and lawn space for up to 8,000 people.

LN will be responsible for overseeing operations, with a remit to attract top touring talent and deliver an “exceptional hospitality experience”.

“Live Nation supports artists with deep expertise that will bring many more amazing shows in our region”

“This partnership is an incredible opportunity to create a venue that meets the needs of artists and fans,” adds Ned Abdul, president and CEO of Swervo Development Corp. “Live Nation supports artists with deep expertise that will bring many more amazing shows in our region. We’re committed to build spaces that support the community and energise the economy, while providing entertainment, and are excited to bring this vision alive.”

Elsewhere in the US, Live Nation has also reportedly secured a 25-year deal to promote shows at the 12,000-cap Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The project broke ground earlier this year and is slated to be launch in May 2026, with plans to stage more than 50 concerts a year.

As part of the agreement, Live Nation will pay the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) $10 million upfront for ongoing construction and another $10m “at a time mutually agreed to” to purchase “furniture and equipment”.

Back in January, Colorado-based hospitality and live music company Notes Live (now Venu) also selected Live Nation as the operator for its 12,500-cap Sunset Amphitheater, which is planned to launch in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, next summer.

Live Nation owns or operates more than 265 concert venues in North America, including 60 of the country’s top 100 amphitheatres. Speaking at a conference in September, Live Nation boss Michael Rapino discussed how the firm’s venue strategy ensured business remained robust in 2024.

“We always knew this year was going to be a little light on stadiums, but we were going to do our best then to monetise our venues, our amphitheatres, where the business walks in our door and we can manage it,” he said.

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