Jan 7, 2026 - News

Red Rocks set for renovations following historic year

Esteban L. Hernandez

Outdoor brick concession stand with black awnings, people including one in a wheelchair, a rocky hill in the background, and a clear blue sky. — A rendering of the new merchandise stand under construction at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Image: Courtesy of the City of Denver

Red Rocks Amphitheatre will get new upgrades this year following one of its most successful seasons on record.

The big picture: A merchandise stand and an east terrace used for security checks and scanning is on tap for the Denver-owned venue in Morrison, city staff said Tuesday.

The renovations will cost about $3 million, paid for with revenue generated by the venue, Red Rocks spokesperson Brian Kitts tells us.
Both projects were budgeted over the past few years, he says.

Why it matters: Red Rocks isn't just a Holy Grail performance venue for musical acts, it's a pivotal revenue driver supporting the city's cultural programs.

By the numbers: The outdoor amphitheater generated $75 million in revenue in 2024, according to Denver Arts & Venues executive director Gretchen Hollrah.

Those funds support operating costs, venue operations and cultural programming citywide.

Stunning stat: 2025 marked a record-setting year for Red Rocks, with 236 events drawing 1.75 million paid attendees, city documents show.

What's next: Red Rocks' two new projects should be finished by April, barring any snow delays, Kitts tells us.

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Red Rocks set for renovations following historic year

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