Frequently asked questions

When the amphitheater was operating from 2001-2003, Sedona had as many tourists as today (3-4 million annually) and the population was over 10,000, more than today. Performances take place in the evenings and weekends when workers aren’t commuting.

Sedona has a fixed number of accommodations, so it’s not about increasing tourists but offering those already coming a richer experience. Guests plan ahead and book tickets and accommodations, just like they do for other major Sedona events.

Bottom line: Tourists are coming regardless. Why not create opportunities for them to enjoy Sedona’s culture and natural beauty meaningfully?

There are 1,700-2,000 spaces in the immediate vicinity. Assuming two people per car, this accommodates around 4,000 attendees. Additional shuttles and ride-share services supplement parking capacity.

Existing parking includes:
• 900 spaces at the Cultural Park
• 80 spaces at Yavapai College
• 820 additional spaces at nearby locations (Compactor Site, High School, Sedona Shuttle lot, hotel lots for event packages)

Shuttle buses, limousines, and ride-share services from remote parking areas will be key to the overall parking strategy.

Events are scheduled during off-peak hours when commuter traffic is minimal. Performances take place in the evenings and weekends when workers aren’t commuting. Professional traffic management and coordination with local authorities ensure smooth flow patterns that work with Sedona’s existing infrastructure.

The amphitheater will operate under strict decibel limits with modern sound management systems that focus audio toward the audience, not surrounding areas. Sound checks and monitoring ensure compliance with city noise ordinances.

When the amphitheater was operational, there were no formal sound complaints. New sound technologies have advanced significantly since then. Acoustic barriers now direct sound at the audience, minimizing disturbances to surrounding neighborhoods.

While more parking may be added in the future with consideration to the natural landscape, the existing 900 spaces at Cultural Park are already developed, and shuttle services will utilize existing remote lots to minimize environmental impact while maximizing capacity.

The 5,500-capacity amphitheater follows historical precedent. From ancient Greek theaters to Roman amphitheaters still used today, these structures were designed to accommodate the majority of their local population. The Sedona facility is appropriately scaled to serve its ~9,500 residents, ensuring it remains a hub for civic and cultural engagement.

The amphitheater offers size flexibility, ranging from intimate 1,500-person events to 5,500-person maximum capacity.

We support workforce housing. That’s why our plan includes housing solutions at appropriate locations while preserving the Cultural Park. The Dells property near the water treatment plant offers better terrain for affordable housing development.

Performance revenues can help pay down the city’s $910,000/year bond interest from purchasing the property, freeing up city funds for housing initiatives. Additionally, consistent year-round employment opportunities reduce the economic pressures that drive housing costs.

Renovating the existing amphitheater is a cost-effective opportunity, with an initial investment of approximately $3 million—enough to bring performances back to life. Unlike new amphitheater projects in other cities that cost $23–48 million, Sedona’s structure is already sound and ready for revitalization using private funds, with no taxpayer expense.

The amphitheater will boost off-season tourism, generating revenue during underutilized summer months. This provides more consistent work for the local workforce instead of layoffs when summer business slows down.
Performance revenues can help pay down the city’s $910,000/year bond interest from purchasing the property.

The original Sedona Cultural Park, Inc. nonprofit received the property in 1996 from a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service for public use. The Cultural Park was created by a vote of Sedona residents (Prop 400).

The original Master Plan, approved by the city and incorporated into every 10-year community plan (including 2013), envisioned an amphitheater, festival grounds, museums, film studio, educational studios, sculpture walk, and open nature areas.

From 2001-2003, the Georgia Frontiere Performing Arts Pavilion hosted top-tier artists including Al Jarreau, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gordon Lightfoot, and Tony Bennett.

Community events and local artist performances were also held. Talent was never an issue - performers unanimously loved the amphitheater. It was popular and financially viable.

Financial mismanagement by the manager resulted in monetary issues and the property was sold to a private developer.

In December 2022, the City of Sedona purchased the land for $20 million ($10 million cash, $10 million bonds). Community members formed Sedona Cultural Park 2.0, Inc. to restore the park for public use.

The original architects (Jensvold/Thompson Architects) still work in Sedona and have updated the master plan pro bono. Structural assessments confirm the amphitheater is structurally sound.

Community members formed Sedona Cultural Park 2.0, Inc. with transparent governance, professional management standards, and community oversight. The organization is committed to contracting with experienced professional management, operations, and ticketing companies to ensure the park’s long-term success and sustainability.
The original architects, who know the property intimately after working on it for five years during its initial development and again over the past two years to update the master plan pro bono, bring invaluable insight into what worked well and what needs improvement. Yet the City has not fully appreciated the extraordinary devotion of these original planners and designers — professionals who, much like artists returning to restore one of their own masterpieces, have poured their talent and care into revitalizing a vision they helped bring to life decades ago. Most cities would be grateful to have such dedicated stewards still living and working in their community, committed to preserving and enhancing its cultural legacy.