Red Rocks reveals new East Terrace, permanent merch stand ahead of 85th anniversary

MORRISON, Colo. (KDVR) — Red Rocks Amphitheatre is undergoing major upgrades, and fans are getting a first look at what’s taking shape behind the scenes.

Construction is underway on a new East Terrace near the east stairs, a project that dates back nearly 90 years to the venue’s original plans. The terrace was envisioned in early designs from the late 1930s, but was never built until now.

Early design of Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Credit: Denver Arts and Venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre)

“This new East Terrace is kind of tucked into this cool little spot that on the original plans back in 1938 showed a terrace in this area,” said Tad Bowman, Venue director for Red Rocks Amphitheatre. “So it just took us this long to get to the point where we could build this.”

Once complete, the East Terrace will serve multiple purposes. It will expand space for security screenings, buying tickets and ticket scanning during peak entry times.

It will also offer a new viewing platform with views of the surrounding rock formations and valley below.

Construction underway at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Credit: KDVR)

“This plaza here just gives us more functional space for all of that entry operation,” said Bowman. “So the hope is and the vision is that it makes it a much better experience for people when they’re going through that entry process.”

Designers say the terrace is being built to blend seamlessly into the venue, using the same shapes, materials and iconic flagstone found throughout Red Rocks. Officials say they want it to stay true to architect Burnham Hoyt’s original design.

Nearby, construction is also underway on a permanent merchandise stand, replacing the temporary tent structure fans have seen for several seasons.

“So previously, if you’ve been to Red Rocks before, we had a temporary structure, which was more like a tent,” said Benn Heinemann, communications for Red Rocks. “It didn’t match the architecture of the rest of the venue.”

Construction at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Credit: KDVR)

The new merch stand will add more points of sale, helping to reduce lines and speed up transactions on busy concert nights, so fans can return back to their seats sooner.

“As soon as we shut down after the last show, we get crews up here as fast as possible to start construction. We’ve been blessed by a pretty mild winter here in Colorado,” said Heinemann. So it’s helped speed things along.”

Construction on both projects is expected to wrap up this spring, just in time for Red Rocks’ 85th anniversary season this year. Renderings of the completed upgrades are available on the venue’s website, but soon concertgoers won’t need a preview, as they’ll be able to experience the changes firsthand.

Heinemann said, “It’s really going to look like it’s been here forever. And that’s always the goal when we do work at a historic landmark like Red Rocks.”

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