During a McKinney City Council meeting on Nov. 19, 2024, council members approved the site plans for the upcoming $220 million Sunset Amphitheater, located at northeast of the junction of U.S. 75 and S.H. 121.
This brings the facility closer to breaking ground, with a projected opening in 2026.
“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,” Mayor George Fuller previously said. “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.”
The council voted 6-1, with Councilmember Justin Beller voting against the item, citing noise concerns for neighboring communities. But, some of the approved plans are expected to mitigate sounds coming from the amphitheater.
What To Expect
The approved site plan — spanning 46 acres — features more than 5,100 parking spaces, exceeding the required minimum of 5,000. These spaces are accommodated within two multi-level parking structures, each standing two to three stories tall and covering a combined area of over 1.6 million square feet. The plan also features 20,000 seats and a 33-foot-tall sound attenuation wall on the structure's east side, with the building reaching a maximum height of 138 feet.
The project will feature more than 250 deluxe fire pit suites, along with traditionally reserved seating in the mid and lower bowl sections, a landscaped grass berm and exclusive Owners Club suites.
It also includes design exceptions, such as alternative placement for street frontage landscape buffers and parking area trees. Key features of the plan include an enclosed stage, 10-foot-wide sidewalks, wider parking spaces and an eight-foot-tall barrier along the southern perimeter.
The Timeline
The amphitheater was first announced in March 2024 and the development agreement was approved in April 2024. Construction of the amphitheater is slated to commence in late 2024, with the aspiration of debuting this extraordinary outdoor venue in time for the 2026 concert touring season. The construction of the parking garage will occur first, followed by the amphitheater itself.
Economic Impact
The Sunset Amphitheater is anticipated to generate over 1,300 direct and indirect employment opportunities while stimulating over $3 billion in regional and local economic activity within its initial decade of operation.
Don't miss anything Local. Sign up for our free newsletter.
