A significant step has been made toward developing a 20,000-seat amphitheater in McKinney, Texas.
Colorado-based Venu Holdings has finalized the purchase of a 46-acre property to showcase the amphitheater, reported WFAA. The $300 million project, named the Sunset Amphitheater at McKinney and powered by EIGHT Elite Light Beer, is slated to break ground in spring 2025, with an anticipated opening in 2026.
The site, located near the Sheraton McKinney Hotel and the junction of U.S. Route 75 and State Highway 121, promises to transform the city’s entertainment landscape.
Venu Holdings, previously Notes Live Inc., has partnered with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman and his beer brand, EIGHT, for the ambitious venture.
“As a lifelong music fan, the partnership between EIGHT and VENU is a special one to me,” Aikman stated in a press release. He expressed excitement about creating a space where fans can enjoy great music alongside a cold beer, emphasizing the unique experience the venue aims to offer.
The amphitheater’s design will prioritize both luxury and practicality. It will feature a 33-foot-tall sound attenuation wall, an enclosed stage, and amenities like luxury fire pit suites, reserved seating, and club suites. For convenience, the venue will boast more than 5,100 parking spaces, sidewalks, and various food and drink options.
Local leaders are optimistic about the project’s potential impact on McKinney’s economy and cultural scene.
Mayor George Fuller highlighted the amphitheater’s importance, calling it a “game-changer” for the city’s entertainment offerings. He believes the state-of-the-art venue will attract visitors across Texas and beyond, boosting economic growth and solidifying McKinney as a regional hub for live music and events.
Economic forecasts underline the amphitheater’s significant potential.
According to the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, the project could generate nearly $100 million in annual sales, create 677 new jobs, and welcome up to 700,000 visitors annually, reported WFAA.
The project comes amid McKinney’s broader efforts to enhance its infrastructure and amenities. With its fast-growing population and strategic investments, the city is positioning itself to attract tourists, long-term residents, and businesses.