By John Dobberstein, Editor
A giant crane recently appeared at the site of the Sunset Amphitheater under construction in Broken Arrow, symbolizing an important step in construction of the $107 million entertainment facility — although some key pieces of the overall package are still being worked on.
Construction was delayed this year on the 12,500-seat entertainment facility after the developer — Colorado City-based Venu — revised the design to allow for your-round events. Venu says the city has already approved site plan changes, which mostly include adding sound walls to the structure to enable winter shows.
The opening is now slated for summer 2026 for the facility, located just north of the Broken Arrow Events Park along the Creek Turnpike. Industry giant Aramark Sports + Entertainment was awarded the contracts for food and beverage concessions, artist and branded venue retail and facilities management — including custodial and grounds maintenance, cleaning and engineering services.
However, Venu is still without a promoter for the Broken Arrow site after Live Nation pulled out last year over a dispute about parking spaces. The firm demanded the city build more than 1,000 additional parking spaces at the site beyond what was listed in the development agreement, which the city had concerns about.
Promotional companies play a key role in booking quality entertainment to venues it works with. Venu said through a spokesperson that the company is, “engaged in great conversations with several potential operating partners. Regardless of who we ultimately move forward with, we are looking forward to bringing top-tier talent to Broken Arrow.”
The development agreement between the city and Venu also calls for the amphitheater to be open by December 2025 or the company would be subject to a $10,000-per-month penalty to the city until construction is completed. Venu would not specifically state whether an amended agreement with the city is planned.
“Since the very beginning, the City of Broken Arrow has been a great partner. Together, we’ve worked through updates such as transitioning the venue to multi-season callability — expanding it for year-round use and adding wind walls,” Venu said in a statement. “If any further adjustments are needed, we’ll continue collaborating closely with the city. We look forward to a strong and ongoing partnership.”
Naming rights still possible
Initially, Notes Live — now Venu — was optimistic it would land a naming rights agreement for the Broken Arrow amphitheater, but no agreement has been announced yet. Venu did announce a partnership with three-time Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman to help brand the facility through The Aikman Clubs — an elevated club space with food and beverage available at concerts. But it will also be open on non-event days for rentals, hosting corporate events and other functions.
Venu said it has partnered with Connect Partnership Group to, “identify potential sponsors for the new development,” and “naming rights are still on the table.”
Sunset Amphitheater at Broken Arrow Powered by EIGHT Elite Light Beer, is expected to generate $4.3 billion in economic impact in the first 20 years of operation through increased tourism, hospitality revenue and job creation, officials said.
The Broken Arrow City Council also approved a special taxing district (TIF district) to collect revenues in the amphitheater area to pay for the $27 million in infrastructure improvements needed for the project. In addition to the delays with construction, there have not been any announcements about hotels, restaurants or other amenities to open near the site.
The city and Oklahoma Department of Transportation have made good on promises to get the infrastructure portion of the project built up.
Venu said it is, “actively exploring the potential of additional entertainment, hospitality and quick-service amenities near the amphitheater footprint. We welcome interest from those looking to join our growing entertainment destination.”
Luxury firepit suites sales increasing
In an earnings call Thursday, Venu founder and CEO J.W. Roth said the company was in conversations with 38 municipalities nationwide that are interested in seeing Venu in their community.
Ground was broken on Venu’s 20,000-seat amphitheater in McKinney, Texas and three more outdoor amphitheaters should open next year. The company said it engaged with Texas Capital Securities on private debt financing options intended to accelerate construction, with expected total commitments of approximately $200 million.
Sales of Venu’s “Luxe FireSuite” at the amphitheaters are a key part of the company’s revenue strategy, and Roth says the triple-net real estate lease program launched in May with Sands Investment Group, “has exceeded expectations.”
Luxe FireSuite and Aikman Club sales reached $61.3 million through June 30, up $15.5 million or 34%, from $45.8 million. This included sales of Luxe FireSuites through traditional cash sales, fractional financing and the start of triple-net lease interests as well. Total assets increased to $242 million, up $63.6 million or 36%, as of June 30, from $178.4 million as of Dec. 31.
“Behind the scenes, we are stacking our roster, scaling smarter, for changing alliances, developing next-gen revenue models, and doing whatever it takes,” Roth said.
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