Red Rocks concert attendees first experience its breathtaking natural beauty; then its music is enhanced by the venue‘s excellent acoustics.
Amphitheater visitors will marvel at its impressive sandstone formations which provide its legendary acoustics. A southern monolith resembling a ship, known as “Ship Rock,” and two smaller formations to either side of Creation Rock form the amphitheater’s signature soundstage acoustics – respectively “Ship Rock” and Creation Rock are to either side of the stage respectively.
The History of Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the world’s greatest concert venues, located near Morrison, Colorado with seating capacity of 9000 seats. The 400ft-high sandstone rocks surrounding its amphitheater offer natural acoustics which add an unforgettable concert-going experience for fans attending shows at Red Rocks.
This venue has witnessed the progression of popular music since opening its doors. Opera, classical and chamber performances dominated its early years; later gave way to rock/psychedelic/soft rock performances during the 1960s/70s, eventually evolving into soft rock that now dominates its schedule.
Red Rocks has played host to some of the biggest names in music – from The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, through U2, Fleetwood Mac and Mumford & Sons, all the way up to U2. Red Rocks has left its mark around the globe!
The Venue’s Geology
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre can be found near Morrison, 20 miles west of Denver. Here you will find unparalleled natural beauty as well as breathtaking acoustics. Its geologic formations reflect more than mere aesthetic beauty: their geologic structures reveal evidence of mountains older than the Rocky Mountains that formed due to geological uplifts or by ancient inland seas rising and falling over time.
Before white settlers arrived, Ute Indians utilized Red Rocks as a sacred site; however, John Brisben Walker began producing concerts on temporary stages in the early 1900s that Red Rocks became widely recognized as a music venue.
Since Walker first performed at Red Rocks, many more acts such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix have graced its stages; these performances now make Red Rocks an iconic concert venue and an international music lover’s destination. No show can do more to appreciate its awe-inspiring space than attending one of its shows; but don’t fret if you miss one: there are yoga sessions and drive-in movie night happening here too!
The Seating
Red Rocks offers a steep pitch and stunning views, providing nearly every seat imaginable with breathtaking vistas. Blankets are welcome but must remain within their ticketed seating areas. Climbers temptingly lured onto rock formations may climb upon them without permission but this activity will lead to immediate removal from the venue as well as fines being issued against them.
Nonalcoholic beverages in factory-sealed plastic containers under 32 oz are allowed, making a cooler an effective solution. Just keep in mind that once you exit the amphitheater there’s no reentry, so allow enough time for returning back to the parking lot in your vehicle.
If you plan on tailgating at an amphitheater, be sure to review its website for information regarding which sections allow it and which items are prohibited (open flame grills and oil-frying equipment are usually banned), along with water for keeping you hydrated throughout the evening – you won’t regret it!
The Amphitheater’s Lighting
Artists from around the globe spend their careers dreaming of performing at Red Rocks – this iconic venue with world-class acoustics and an incredible history dating back to 1906 is like no other venue on Earth.
Burnham Hoyt designed his amphitheater using minimal architecture in order to preserve “in full where possible the natural assets.” He recognized that its rock formation’s unique geological features and breathtaking views would serve as a powerful backdrop for performances.
Red Rocks recently installed a new roof to better protect musicians and audience members from the elements, as well as add more weight capacity for lighting equipment and other forms of equipment.
If you’re attending a show at Red Rocks, make sure you enter and exit through the Lower South entrance (represented by dotted line on this map). This is the most efficient route into and out of the venue and faster than exiting through Trading Post; plus it helps avoid traffic once your show has concluded!