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Amphitheaters

When the weather heats up, so do the opportunities to take in a show at an amphitheater, an open-air concert venue with a view of the stage, seats on the lawn and a prime picnic opportunity where you can listen to your favorite band. Whether your looking at amphitheaters in Los Angeles, amphitheaters in Michigan, or anywhere else in the country, Event Tickets Center can help you find the perfect amphitheater experience. Check out our list of top amphitheaters in the US.

What to Bring

Before you hit the road for any live events in an outdoor amphitheater—that means music festivals, plays, comedy acts or otherwise—bring supplies. Here’s where you’ll want to pay close attention to the ticketing and venue sites: What time does your show start, how long will you be there, and what will the weather be like that day? If the set begins in the daytime and runs into the evening, bring an extra jacket, sweater or blanket for warmth; once the sun dips, so does the temperature and you don’t want to sit through your live performance shivering. Many modern amphitheaters offer seating with overhangs and shaded areas, but if you’re out in the open and it’s daytime, a hat, some sunscreen and a water bottle could be in your best interest. And finally, all of that scenic beauty you’ll find at open air amphitheaters lends itself perfectly to a picnic. At some of the most famous pavilions in the country, like during Hollywood Bowl shows or Red Rocks Amphitheatre events, you can bring outside food and even alcoholic beverages. Be sure to check each venue’s rules regarding glass bottles, cooler sizes and other specifications before you head out.

Where to Sit

Amphitheater seating ranges from general lawn admission to tiered, specific-chair tickets, and each open-air theatre is different. Most ticket sites will offer seating maps for particular venues and outdoor events, so before you click “purchase,” take a look and figure out where you’d like to spend your time outdoors, and whether you’ll need to bring a chair or blanket. If you’d like to get as close to the stage as possible, orchestra or pit seating—often covered by an overhang like those at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and St. Augustine Pavilion—provide shade and proximity to the stage. But part of the fun of amphitheater concerts is taking in the scenery, especially during the warmer months, and lawn seats will do just that. Plus, most outdoor venues offer large screens of the performance, so you won’t miss any of the action.

FAQs about Amphitheaters

What is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the US?

The Glen Helen Amphitheater has a capacity of 65,000 making it the largest outdoor amphitheater in the US. It is located in San Bernardino , California and is formerly known as San Manuel Amphitheater, Hyundai Pavilion, and Blockbuster Pavilion.


What is the difference between theater and amphitheater?

The main difference between Theaters and Amphitheaters is that amphitheaters have a semi-circular shape, much more like a stadium or arena. Theater audiences are more square in their shape similar to a movie theater. Another main difference is that amphitheaters are typically outdoor venues, while the majority of theaters are indoors.


What is the oldest amphitheater in the world?

The oldest amphitheater in the world is Pompeii. The arena had a capacity of roughly 20,000 and is estimated to have been built in 80 B.C.


Why is it called an amphitheater?

In Greek, "Amphi" means "on both sides". Amphitheaters are historically outdoor venues with spectators surrounding the performance, or "on both sides" of the performance. In modern day, amphitheaters are typically outdoor venues with a semicircular seating arrangement.


What is the most luxurious amphitheater?

The Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington is one of the most luxurious amphitheaters in the US. The venue has a large capacity of 20,000 with views of the Columbia River and Okanogan-Wanatchee National Forest.


What is the best amphitheater in the US?

Although this is subjective, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison Colorado is widely considered the top venue among artists and fans alike. Red Rocks has a capacity of 9,500 and is located right in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. Find a list of top amphitheaters at Event Tickets Center Blog