West OKC selected for 12,000-seat amphitheater, entertainment complex

Oklahoma City is one of six locations being eyed for a large outdoor amphitheater that if built will include seating for 12,000 with premium food, beverage and seating amenities.

Notes Live, based in Colorado Springs, announced Tuesday the company signed a binding purchase agreement with the developer of Mustang Creek Crossing in west Oklahoma City.

Plans for the $70 million Sunset Amphitheater include 120 luxury firepit suites, a landscaped grass berm and traditional reserved seating. J.W. Roth, CEO of Notes Live, said he hopes to start construction in early 2024 with an opening in time for the summer 2025 tour season.

“Building world-class music venues is our passion and mission at Notes Live,” Roth said. “We are excited to bring unforgettable concert experiences to Oklahoma City. Our commitment to unbeatable sound, sightlines and elevated hospitality offerings will create memories that last a lifetime.”

Sam Coury, principal owner of Mustang Creek Crossing, announced the 300-acre development in 2022. A site plan shows aspirations include restaurants, hotels, offices, retail and a hospital. The development is located on both sides of the Kilpatrick Turnpike between SW 15 and Interstate 40.

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Coury, who also owns the former Spaghetti Warehouse in Bricktown, said his family wants to create a district that will be a state and regional destination for west Oklahoma City.

Roth, who owns smaller indoor music venues in Colorado Springs and Gainesville, Georgia, broke ground last week on the first of a planned chain of amphitheaters in Colorado Springs. The business model includes selling firepit suites and VIP suites. He said pricing for the firepit suites will be about $500,000 and that sales will begin next week.

Roth said he is not seeking any city or state incentives.

"Our projects are all fully financed and we’re about to become a public company," Roth said. "We will offset some of the financing with our firepit sales. That money will go into escrow and the suites will be deeded over to the buyers."

Roth said he plans to announce plans soon for a music venue in Tulsa with other expansions to include Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Roanoke, Texas. He said the company plans to operate in a dozen markets by 2026 with a focus on regions with growing populations but a "dearth" of high-quality music and entertainment venues.

Oklahoma City has seen significant expansion of its live music venues in recent years with the openings of the Jones Assembly, the Criterion, Beer City, Tower Theatre and Ponyboy.

The city's largest venue is Paycom Center, and the city is already home to the Zoo Amphitheater. Scissortail Park has an outdoor stage that accommodated 28,000 fans for the inaugural 2020 concert by Kings of Leon. A 1,500-seat amphitheater is planned as part of the $400 million OKANA resort being built along the Oklahoma River. A multi-use outdoor stadium that can be used for concerts is planned as part of MAPS 4.

Mustang Creek Crossing is located between Yukon and Mustang, both growing suburbs of Oklahoma City. Mustang has experienced double-digit population growth over the past 30 years, going from 10,434 in 1990 to 19,879 in 2020. Yukon, meanwhile, has seen its population grow from 20,935 in 1990 to 23,630 in 2020. Several new neighborhoods have popped up along multiple extensions of the Kilpatrick Turnpike through west Oklahoma City.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said he expects the Sunset Amphitheater and Mustang Creek Crossing will spur more economic development and tourism.

“With its capacity to host the largest touring acts in the country, the Sunset will draw music enthusiasts from far and wide,” Pinnell said. “Oklahoma's allure as a premier entertainment destination is growing stronger, and the Sunset Amphitheater will be a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.”

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Colorado Springs Notes Live to build 12,000-seat west OKC music venue