Exclusive: Step onstage at KC's newest amphitheater
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At seven stories tall, it feels even bigger in person. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
The stage is set (literally) for the Live Nation amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri, as crews work toward opening in less than a year.
Why it matters: The $135 million project is Kansas City's biggest live music investment in almost two decades — twice the capacity of Starlight Theatre, bankrolled largely by Live Nation, and aiming to debut before the 2026 World Cup.
Behind the scenes: Axios Kansas City toured the site with Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose and Arco Construction's project superintendent, Jay Harbison, who gave us the first look at the stage. It was Rose's first time up there.
- Harbison said he had never been a part of building anything with this scale.
- "You give me chill bumps," Rose said as she looked up at the 76-foot-tall venue just before walking on stage. "I'm ready to go."
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By the numbers: The finished product will be able to host as many as 40 events each year, rain or shine, thanks to its 100,000 square-foot canopy, complete with six skylights.
- The total capacity will be 16,000, and 12,000 of those seats will be covered.
Follow the money: The total cost is up from the previously reported $120 million to $135 million, according to a study by Oxford Economics provided to Axios by Live Nation.
- Rose wants to attract a nearby entertainment district, which — combined with the amphitheater — could add 500 full-time jobs and $67.9 million to the local economy, according to the study.
Rose hopes they can open with a small act next April and host the first major concert in May. Then comes the World Cup.
- "They're going to be able to have watch parties," Rose says, adding that they will probably be free to attend.
State of play: As we surveyed the 165-acre construction zone together, Rose told Axios Kansas City the project has been six years in the making.
- "It just didn't happen yesterday. But it happened because of relationships."
Reality check: The amphitheater is going to be loud. Rose says a sound test indicated the noise from concerts will be like a vacuum as far out as the Missouri Riverfront Trail — a quarter mile away. Thank goodness there aren't any homes nearby.
- Speaking of the levee, Rose isn't worried about flooding — at least for the next 500 years.
- For those planning to catch a free concert from the trail, think again. Rose says the section near the amphitheater will likely be closed during shows.
Fun fact: Rose's first concert was Black Sabbath at Memorial Hall in 1971.
- "Everybody remembers [their first concert]," Rose says. "They not only remember that concert, they remember who they were with and the memories that were made. … Those are priceless."
- She says she hopes the amphitheater will be that for people, especially her grandkids.
What's next: Rose plans to send Riverside's police and fire chiefs to Live Nation's Everwise Amphitheater in Indianapolis to shadow safety operations.