Colorado Springs Planning Commission approves Sunset Amphitheater project, next stop city council

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A proposed outdoor amphitheater for north Colorado Springs is one step closer to being built.

Wednesday evening, the Colorado Springs City Planning Commission approved the Sunset Amphitheater in a 6-3 vote. However, it's subject to certain conditions.

Now, the project will advance to the City Council for final approval.

The project's developer, J.W. Roth, is requesting to build the 8,000-seat outdoor amphitheater on 18 acres near the intersection of Voyager Parkway and Spectrum Loop, in the Polaris Pointe retail development.

A public meeting near the site two months ago drew more than 400 people who are interested in the project and asking about possible impacts such as traffic congestion, noise, and crime.

Neighbors also are curious about the parking situation, with only 800 on-site parking spaces planned and shuttle service for off-site parking being considered; a study found that at least 2,000 spaces are required on or close to the site.

Still, some people are excited about a more convenient location for top music and entertainment acts similar to venues such as Red Rocks and Fiddlers Green in Denver; Roth expects the season to run from May through September, with around 60 acts to perform.

Discussion on the matter began at 10 a.m., to be followed by a public hearing, commissioner discussion, and vote.

Commissioners also were scheduled to consider and vote on the proposed Amara annexation plan, covering 3,200 acres south of Colorado Springs and east of Fountain; however, that matter was delayed until January at the developer's request.