Amphitheater posts strong season numbers; authority hears first look at new Dome and programming

Tabitha Webster, venue operations market manager and general manager of the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, briefed the authority on the amphitheater’s 2024 season and early plans for 2025 and the new Dome venue.

Webster said the amphitheater staged 27 shows last year, including 10 sellouts, with a capacity of 20,000. She told the board more than 365,000 fans attended the amphitheater in 2024, with an average show attendance she described as "about 13,500." Webster said the venue paid $3.79 million in rent and taxes for 2024 and said the partnership between the authority and Live Nation has produced significant economic activity.

She reviewed 2024 and planned 2025 capital improvements. Shared projects with the authority in 2024 included replacement of water fountains with 16 bottle‑refill stations (project total cited as $62,463; the authority’s share $35,002.91; Live Nation $27,001.71), and replacement of a walk‑in cooler attached to a concession stand (Webster described a roughly $324,000 project with cost sharing). Webster described other capital work including pavilion fans, a new public‑address system, VIP kitchen equipment and new premium inventory additions.

For 2025 Webster said shared projects include a preferred‑parking expansion (54 additional premium spaces; project total cited as $193,002.73 with a portion borne by the authority), replacement of HVAC in the artist wing (about $90,000 total) and replacement of original stage lighting with LEDs (budgeted about $61,000 but expected to come in lower). Live Nation projects include installing digital menu boards and sound improvements for the lawn area.

Webster also previewed the Dome, an indoor/outdoor venue being programmed for 2025. She said the Dome’s indoor capacity is about 3,500, with an additional outdoor capacity of about 1,500 when hangar doors are opened. She said 26 shows have been announced for the Dome, 11 of which will use the outdoor space.

Why it matters: Webster framed the amphitheater and Dome programming as continued examples of the authority’s public‑private partnership with Live Nation and as drivers of tourism, revenue and tax receipts for the city.

Board members thanked Webster and expressed enthusiasm for the coming season and the partnership.