City shares independent sound study of Ford Amphitheater concert noise

Today, Nov. 1, the City of Colorado Springs released the results of an independent sound study that measured concert noise from the Ford Amphitheater during three October concerts. The study, conducted by Hankard Environmental, Inc., was commissioned by the City after it had received noise complaints from nearby community members. The amphitheater opened Aug. 9, 2024.

View the Hankard Environmental Report

"The purpose of this study was to get a better understanding of the sound levels that neighbors are experiencing during concerts and to ensure the City has an independent and professional analysis of the impact," said Travis Easton, deputy chief of staff of infrastructure and development. "Although the amphitheater is meeting the requirements of its development plan, we understand the noise has been disruptive to some neighbors in that area. We remain committed to working with neighbors and the amphitheater as it makes adjustments to further lessen these impacts."

VENU, owner of the Ford Amphitheater, also studied noise levels throughout its concert season and is preparing a final report that will provide data from every 2024 concert. This report is a requirement of the development plan that was approved by City Council in 2023. VENU has voluntarily shared preliminary noise data with the City Administration, City Council, and community members this year.

Further, VENU is actively working on sound mitigation strategies and meeting regularly with City officials to share this information. The latest meeting was on Oct. 25. In the coming weeks, the City expects to receive additional details and a timeline for sound mitigation efforts from VENU, well ahead of the amphitheater's 2025 concert season which is expected to begin in May.