Sunset Amphitheater faces a 7-2 defeat on proposed arena by City Council
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Sunset Amphitheater met its fate on Tuesday, after the Oklahoma City Council voted on the plans and failed, 7-2, among council members.
The proposed arena was to sit 12,000 people and attract visitors from around the state, but raised major concerns for neighborhoods nearby.
Bobby Williams has lived in the Westbury neighborhood for almost 40 years says, he’s even considering moving out of the place he’s called home for decades. His backyard overlooks the land where the Mustang Creek Crossing development is planned, as well as the Sunset Amphitheater.
“It’s really scary to me,” said Williams. “These are homes that people want to finish living their lives at, then some idiot comes out here and wants to put something like that up.”
Williams’ home has a Yukon address. However, the development is in OKC city limits.
Williams said his biggest concern regarding the amphitheater is the loud noise and the increased traffic.
“This noise is going to be there for hours you know, booming,” said Williams. “We don’t want all this congestion.”
The location was set to be built in the Mustang Creek Crossing development, off of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and I-40. The project is was set to feature 120 luxury fire pit suites, a landscaped grass berm, traditional reserved seating, and premium hospitality offerings.
Previously in a statement, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell weighed in on the project saying, “I am thrilled about the partnership between Notes Live and Mustang Creek Crossing in bringing The Sunset Amphitheater to our great state. This state-of-the-art venue will not only enhance our entertainment landscape but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism. With its capacity to host the largest touring acts in the country, The Sunset will draw music enthusiasts from far and wide. Oklahoma’s allure as a premier entertainment destination is growing stronger, and the Sunset Amphitheater will be a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.”
Notes Live plans prior to the vote was to break ground in early 2024 and have the outdoor amphitheater open in time for Summer 2025 tours. After the vote on today Notes Live released the following statement on Oklahoma City Venue Plans:
Notes Live is deeply committed to the city of Oklahoma City and its vibrant community. We respect the political process and appreciate the clarity provided by the recent vote of the city council. Our vision has always been to introduce a state-of-the-art Sunset Amphitheater that enhances the cultural landscape of the area. With the recent approval of our location in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and our recently announced plans for a significant presence in McKinney, Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth market), Oklahoma City remains a crucial part of our strategic vision for the region.
In our pursuit of this vision, we carefully considered several sites, guided by a set of definitive criteria that ensure we can be a great neighbor and a valuable part of the community. While we initially believed our chosen site had the potential to meet these criteria, the political process has now led us to consider alternatives. We will be moving quickly to explore alternative sites within the Oklahoma City region for the Sunset Amphitheater, ensuring our commitment to the community and our strategic vision remains steadfast.
We are grateful for the support of the State of Oklahoma throughout this process and are excited to collaborate with future municipalities as we expand our presence. Our commitment to being a great neighbor remains at the core of our business, and we are dedicated to bringing this development forward while meeting the highest standards for positive neighborhood integration. We look forward to continuing our journey in Oklahoma City and bringing our vision of a deluxe amphitheater to life in a location that best serves the community and our company's goals.
Notes Live