On June 13, 2025, more than 500 city officials, sponsors, investors and music fans gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the Sunset Amphitheater, a $300 million premium outdoor music venue set to redefine live entertainment in Texas.
Located on 46 acres near U.S. 75 and Highway 121, the 20,000-seat amphitheater is scheduled to open in late 2026 and marks the latest major investment in McKinney’s fast-growing cultural and economic landscape.
Developed by Venu Holding Corporation in partnership with the city of McKinney, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and the McKinney Community Development Corporation, the Sunset Amphitheater is a long-term commitment to growth, community engagement and the arts.
An Economic Engine for the Region
The new venue is expected to generate more than $3 billion in economic impact over its first decade, creating jobs, driving tourism and supporting small business development across the city.
"This venue puts McKinney on the map as a national hub for live entertainment," McKinney Mayor George Fuller told Local Profile following the groundbreaking. "It will serve as a cultural anchor, expanding access to the arts and inspiring young creatives to dream bigger. It is a bold, forward-looking investment in who we are and who we want to become."
From infrastructure improvements to increased tax revenue, the project is positioned as a transformative force for the city, promising lasting benefits far beyond the music it hosts.
A Star-Studded Groundbreaking
The groundbreaking ceremony was more than symbolic. The evening featured Texas music legends Robert Earl Keen and Evan Felker of Turnpike Troubadours, who performed a special acoustic set following remarks from city leaders and Venu executives. Attendees enjoyed a relaxed social hour, musical performances and a palpable sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
“We’re so excited to be here,” said Venu Founder and CEO J.W. Roth. “We’re going to build the most luxurious, fully seated, multi-configuration, multi-seasonal venue in history right here in McKinney. The organizations here in McKinney have been nothing short of incredible. This groundbreaking wouldn't be possible without that unwavering passion of the folks of McKinney.”
Luxury Meets Live Music
What sets Sunset Amphitheater apart is its uncompromising commitment to a premium guest experience. From climate-controlled design features like a canopied roof and wind walls to allow for year-round programming, to elevated food and beverage offerings in partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment, every detail is curated for comfort and quality.
Among its signature offerings is the exclusive Aikman Club, created in collaboration with NFL Hall of Famer and EIGHT Beer founder Troy Aikman. Situated at the heart of the venue, the members-only club offers gourmet cuisine, premium seating and panoramic stage views.
The amphitheater will also feature LuxeFire Suites with private boxes designed for top-tier concert viewing.
Looking Ahead
Slated to open in the third quarter of 2026, Sunset Amphitheater is positioned to become a cornerstone of McKinney’s future, blending entertainment, economic vitality and cultural vibrancy in one ambitious development. As the venue begins to rise from the ground, so too does McKinney’s national profile.
“They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and for the Sunset Amphitheater in McKinney, that was our guiding principle — bigger, and better,” Roth previously said. “McKinney is an incredible community, and we can’t wait to build the most over-the-top venue on earth.”
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