The highly anticipated McKinney Sunset Amphitheater is now expected to open in 2027, a year later than originally planned. Venu, the developer behind the $300 million venue, is adjusting its construction timeline as part of an amended agreement with the city, approved by McKinney City Council on Jan. 6.
The amphitheater broke ground on June 13, 2025, and is projected to generate over $3 billion in economic impact during its first decade, creating jobs, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses throughout McKinney.
A Major Milestone For McKinney’s Entertainment Scene
Located at the northeast corner of U.S. Highway 75 and State Highway 121, the Sunset Amphitheater will occupy 46 acres and accommodate up to 20,000 guests for large-scale events. For smaller gatherings during cooler months, the venue can scale down to host 5,000 attendees. Unlike traditional outdoor concert spaces, Venu’s amphitheaters are designed for year-round use, offering flexibility for events throughout the seasons.
The updated economic development agreement reflects the revised construction schedule and several modifications to the original 2024 approval. The $300 million investment underscores McKinney’s growing profile as a hub for live music and entertainment in North Texas.
Innovative Design For Comfort And Immersion
The amphitheater’s design blends engineering, architecture and audience experience. One standout feature is the large-scale wind wall technology, which minimizes gusts while enhancing acoustics. These walls are also equipped with dynamic lighting and video, transforming them into interactive extensions of the stage.
Photo: VENU
“From the beginning, we envisioned the wind walls as more than functional architecture,” said Jeff Crocker, owner and project lead at BCA Studios Architects. “They are designed to create new innovations and immersive experiences in an outdoor environment. By integrating dynamic lighting and video, the walls transcend their practical purpose, becoming part of the performance and carrying the energy of the stage into the architecture itself.”
A canopied roof structure will protect guests from rain and heat while maintaining the open-air concert atmosphere. Integrated heating systems will ensure comfort during winter months, allowing the amphitheater to host events year-round.
A Cultural Destination For North Texas
Once complete, the Sunset Amphitheater will offer McKinney residents and visitors a cutting-edge venue for live music and large-scale entertainment. With its combination of luxury, innovation and design, the project signals a significant step in enhancing North Texas’ cultural landscape and solidifying the region as a destination for premier performances.
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