At a celebratory event Friday, Venu Holding Company (VENU) proudly marked the official groundbreaking of the highly anticipated Sunset Amphitheater in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. While construction has been in process since June 2024, the official celebration reinforced the anticipation for this national music venue. 

Held on the grounds of the soon-to-be Sunset Amphitheater, the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a lively group of supporters across sectors, industries, and regions including VENU leadership, Oklahoma State Representatives, Broken Arrow civic and municipal leaders, businesspeople, and community members. Those in attendance heard from speakers including Founder, Chairman, and CEO JW Roth, Oklahoma State Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee, Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon, and Broken Arrow Chamber President and CEO James Bell.

“This isn’t just about breaking ground—it’s about breaking new ground for what entertainment in Broken Arrow can become,” said JW Roth, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Venu. “The Sunset Amphitheater will be a world-class venue where music, culture, and the community can come together to create unforgettable experiences. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the people of Broken Arrow.”

The Sunset Amphitheater, with a capacity of 12,500, represents a $93 million investment into the Broken Arrow community, developed through a public-private partnership with Venu, the City of Broken Arrow, Wagoner County, and the State of Oklahoma. The Sunset will boast top-of-the-line audio-visual systems, a self-draining and cooling grass berm, and over 200 luxury VIP firepit suites. 

“I am thrilled that construction has begun on the Sunset Amphitheater in Broken Arrow,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell. “Broken Arrow is one of the fastest growing communities in the state, and as the population grows, so does the demand for world-class venues and events. Tourism is the front door to economic development, and this amphitheater will generate exciting economic growth in the area.” 

"This is a special day in Broken Arrow as we joined our partners at Venu and broke ground on the state-of-the-art Sunset Amphitheater," said Mayor Debra Wimpee. "This event epitomizes the promise of opportunities with new public infrastructure, new businesses, new jobs, and a new destination for Broken Arrow citizens and visitors to come for live performances and lifelong memories." 

"Today's groundbreaking for the amphitheater symbolizes the prosperity and vitality we are blessed with here in Broken Arrow," said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. "This project is more than an amazing entertainment venue, it's reflective of the private sector's belief that Broken Arrow is a great investment to grow their organization and participate in our commitment to enhance the quality of life here in BA and the region." 

Set to open for the 2025 touring season, the Sunset Amphitheater is poised to attract top national and international acts. It will establish the region as a premier destination for world-class entertainment. 

About Venu 

Venu, founded by Colorado Springs-based entrepreneur JW Roth, is a live music venue developer focused on building luxury venues that are experience and ambiance-centric. Venu currently boasts entertainment campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, which combine a Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern restaurant, an indoor mid-size concert venue, and Notes Eatery (Colorado Springs only). The company is also developing new locations in Texas, with seating capacities ranging from 12,500 to 20,000.

The crown jewel of Venu’s portfolio, Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, opened in August 2024 with a sold-out three-night performance by OneRepublic. Venu has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, VenuesNow, Denver Post, and Variety for its innovative and distruptive approach to live entertainment. For more information, visit venu.live.