Ford Amphitheater Named Billboard’s "Top West Coast Amphitheater" Just Two Years After Opening

Colorado Springs’ Ford Amphitheater Climbs to Billboard’s Top West Coast Venue List

Colorado Springs, CO - Ford Amphitheater has earned national recognition just two years after opening, landing on Billboard’s 2026 Top Music Venues list as the “Top West Coast Amphitheater,” according to owner JW Roth.

Roth announced the milestone on Monday, Feb. 9, highlighting the rapid rise of the open-air venue since its debut in August 2024. The amphitheater opened with three sold-out hometown shows by pop-rock band OneRepublic and has since welcomed major acts including Miranda Lambert, The Beach Boys, Triple Six Mafia, Yelawolf, Slightly Stoopid, Foreigner, and ZZ Top, along with comedians such as “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Located near the United States Air Force Academy, Ford Amphitheater offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and features an 8,000-capacity layout with a general-admission lawn, standing pit, and luxury VIP boxes equipped with fire pits.

Despite nearby residents having filed complaints with City Council and the Colorado Attorney General, and dismissal of a 2024 lawsuit, and even new legal challenges with residents filing in January 2026 with "noise complaints" (see story), Venu and Ford Amphitheater makes more southern Colorado history as a nationally recognized top music venue taking the crown for the west coast!

Even amid the disputes, the amphitheater has continued to draw large crowds, including a July 4, 2025 Star-Spangled Symphony performance by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.

Roth credited the venue’s team, partners, and fans for the Billboard recognition.

“I’m so proud of our team, our partners at AEG Presents Rocky Mountains, and everyone who’s helped make this venue something truly special,” Roth said. “Most of all, thank you to the fans. You’re the reason this place feels alive on concert nights.”

Looking ahead, Ford Amphitheater is set to host 19-time Grammy Award–winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma with the Colorado Symphony on June 5 with many more we are excited to see come to the 719!

Congratulations to JW Roth, Venu, and southern Colorado's largest and now Billboard top charting venue in the region, the undisputed Ford Amphitheater!