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UPDATED: See Renderings of McKinney’s Sunset Amphitheater Set for 2026

The future site of the 20,000-seat facility will be a first-of-its-kind premium live music venue in Texas.
A group of people in front of dirt
The Dawn of Sunset Amphitheater.

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10/16/25: VENU has released renderings for its Sunset Amphitheater project in McKinney.

“We set out to create more than amphitheaters—these venues redefine the very meaning of premium in live music,” said Jeff Crocker, Owner and Project Lead at BCA Studios Architects in a press release. “Every detail, from the structural engineering to the guest amenities, is being considered through the lens of fan experience.”

“These renderings illustrate a pivotal moment for the future of outdoor entertainment,” said J.W. Roth, Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Venu Holding Corporation. “We’re not just building amphitheaters; we’re reimagining what’s possible when you combine innovative design with an unwavering commitment to the fan experience. The multi-season capabilities of these venues are absolute game-changers, allowing us to deliver world-class live music 365 days a year while striving to ensure every guest enjoys optimal comfort and protection from the elements.”

Get a first look below.

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VENU unveils multi-season amphitheater renderings for McKinney.

Courtesy of VENU

Courtesy of VENU

Courtesy of VENU

Courtesy of VENU

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Courtesy of VENU

See original story below.

After last week’s official groundbreaking ceremony, the Sunset Amphitheater is ready for the next phase in its project timeline this summer.

Set on a 46-acre site located northeast of Dallas-Fort Worth near Interstate 75 and Highway 121, the amphitheater in McKinney, sponsored by EIGHT Elite Light Beer, is being developed as part of a public-private partnership between VENU, the city of McKinney, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and the McKinney Community Development Corporation. The live music venue will be able to seat 20,000 fans at full capacity. Other details include:

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  • Flexible multi-season configuration that enables year-round programming and will accommodate around 5,000 guests
  • Investment opportunities in Fire Pit Suites, providing access to premium food and beverages, complimentary VIP priority parking and dedicated restrooms
  • Premium LuxeFire Suites, the exclusive members-only Aikman Club, offering world-class cuisine
  • A canopied roof and wind walls are designed to provide protection from inclement weather and a comfortable atmosphere in the winter

“This world-class music venue is a game-changer for our entertainment offerings in McKinney and will be a boon for our economic growth and tourism sector. With a state-of-the-art venue of this size, we can draw some of the largest musical acts to the city and attract fans from across Texas and the surrounding states,” said McKinney Mayor George Fuller, in a press release. “This new addition to our community will bring even more life and energy to our already thriving arts scene and undoubtedly continue to set McKinney apart as an entertainment and cultural hub in the region.”

At the event on June 13, 500 invite-only guests, McKinney officials, venue sponsors, partners, investors and live music fans were treated to music by renowned singer-songwriters Robert Earl Keen and Turnpike Troubadours’ Evan Felker. There were remarks from VENU Founder and CEO J.W. Roth, McKinney Mayor George Fuller, McKinney Mayor-elect Bill Cox, and leaders from the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and McKinney Community Development Corporation.

“We’re so excited to be here,” said VENU Founder and CEO J.W. Roth in a press release. “We’re gonna 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.”

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See more photos from the ceremony below.

Robert Earl Keen and Even Felker entertained guests by doing a song swap and performing country tunes.

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The crowd at the “Breaking Ground” event.

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Another look at the crowd.

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VENU President Will Hodgson.

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Mayor-Elect of McKinney, Bill Cox.

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MCDC CEO and President Michael Kowski.

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Outgoing mayor of McKinney, George Fuller.

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MCDC Board of Directors Chair Angela Richardson-Woods.

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Shovels and hard hats.

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VENU’s Sr Talent Buyer Hamilton Byrd, VENU’s J.W. Roth, Robert Earl Keen and Evan Felker.

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