Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an internationally-recognized concert venue, famed for its stunning acoustics. As such, this extraordinary location hosts concerts by artists of various genres from around the globe.
Geologic forces, Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee labor, architects Burnham Hoyt and Stanley Morse’s vision and George Cranmer’s driving force all combined to form this spectacular amphitheater.
The History of Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre has long been an arena where people come together. Dinosaurs, ancient tribesmen, settlers, industrial businessmen and musicians have left their mark here, leaving memories and leaving a mark behind on this breathtaking spot.
John Brisben Walker, later to become Cosmopolitan magazine owner, began inviting bands to perform on a temporary platform near Denver Parks’ offices. George Cranmer convinced Denver Parks management to purchase and turn this area into an outdoor theatre venue.
Burnham Hoyt, a Denver native and architect by trade, was chosen to design the theater. He employed natural acoustics of rocks into formal theater elements while designing continental seating arrangements without center aisles so audience members could easily get to their seats.
Red Rocks attracts people even when there’s no concert taking place; many come just for the scenery and sound experience. Groups of fitness gurus may climb its amphitheater steps while strumming guitars or trying out their voices experimentally on each step, often including strumming or calling out experiments in order to test how their voices carry across.
The Geology of Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red rock boulders that form this breathtaking venue were formed through an extraordinary series of geologic events over millions of years, when erosion forced mud and sand into place and over time transformed these two 300-foot monoliths into stunning red rocks that frame the stage and give this venue its distinctive acoustics.
Amphitheaters are typically situated among hiking trails, while their Visitor Center provides educational programs. You can also view the performers hall of fame or attend fitness classes. Park hours range from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset provided no concerts are scheduled for that particular day.
Red Rocks concerts are subject to unpredictable weather, yet remain an amazing venue regardless of its natural, outdoor setting. As singer Crystal Gayle demonstrated during her performance during one of Red Rocks’s heaviest downpours ever.
The Seating at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands as one of the world’s premier outdoor venues, accommodating 9,000+ music lovers beneath giant red rocks in Morrison, Colorado. Its natural surroundings are both humbling and inspiring; on a clear night millions of stars can be seen shining through through them all!
At this National Historic Landmark, live concerts set against ever-evolving Rocky Mountain skies may be its main draw, but there’s so much more to discover on its 868-acre park grounds. From testing your endurance on amphitheater steps and climbing them to hiking to waterfalls or discovering prehistoric creatures’ tracks – there truly is something here for everyone at this geological marvel!
Vivid Seats makes it easy to find tickets to see your favorite artist at this iconic venue. Simply select your event of interest, browse ticket prices for each section, and use our interactive Red Rocks Amphitheatre seating chart to see exactly where to sit!
The Music at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre provides an unforgettable music experience. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and natural acoustics, Red Rocks has hosted some of the biggest names in music such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, Bruce Springsteen and Mumford & Sons among many more.
40-70 million years ago, geological forces brought rocks that now form part of this site together, contributing to its distinctive soundscape. Ship Rock and Creation Rock both possess special properties which make them absorb rather than reflect soundwaves.
Red Rocks’ remarkable acoustics allow bands to record live albums and videos at this venue; one such famous U2 concert video was “U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky,” released in 1983. Additionally, this venue has played host to concerts by Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Stevie Nicks and Moody Blues as well as even being home for Denver Symphony Orchestra concerts!