Live Nation Opens Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, Missouri

A new outdoor concert venue will open in the Kansas City area this week as Morton Amphitheater launches its inaugural season with a performance by Kesha on June 3.

The 16,000-capacity venue, located in Riverside, Missouri, was developed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s global venue design and development team, in partnership with Kansas City-based Generator Studio. 

The amphitheater was built to accommodate major touring productions while emphasizing fan experience through improved sightlines, acoustics and modern amenities.

Before the official opening concert, the venue will host Sunset Soundcheck on June 2, a community event that will give residents an opportunity to see the amphitheater for the first time. The event will feature a performance by Summer Breeze, with proceeds from the $10 tickets benefiting Steps of Faith Foundation, which supports individuals living with limb loss.

“Great venues don’t just host concerts, they shape how live music feels,” said Dave Gerardi, Missouri Market President for Live Nation. “Every decision at Morton Amphitheater was made to bring artists and fans closer together, from the way sound moves through the venue to the connection people feel when the lights go down.” 

| RELATED: New Nashville Venue The Truth Reveals First Shows for Grand Opening Season | 

“We’re excited to open a space built specifically for live music and create the kind of venue artists want to play and fans want to return to,” Gerardi continued. 

The amphitheater features a covered seating bowl with 12,000 seats beneath a signature canopy structure. The venue also includes artist-focused backstage facilities, expansive outdoor gathering spaces and infrastructure designed to support large-scale concert productions.

Local officials said the project is expected to provide both entertainment and economic benefits for the region.

“Morton Amphitheater represents a transformational investment for Riverside and the entire region,” Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose said. “We’re proud to partner with Live Nation to bring this world-class venue to our community. The amphitheater will create new energy, tourism, and opportunity, while delivering unforgettable live music experiences for residents and visitors for years to come.”

The venue’s naming rights partnership also brings Morton Salt into the project.

“We’re excited to connect the Morton Salt brand with fans through unforgettable live music experiences,” said Mark Demetree, CEO of Morton Salt. “The Morton Amphitheater is a unique opportunity to celebrate community, entertainment, and the moments that bring people together.”

| RELATED: Live Nation to Operate New 4,300-Capacity Venue in Tampa’s Gasworx District |  

Among the venue’s premium offerings is The Vinyl Room presented by Arvest Bank, a listening lounge inspired by Japanese hi-fi culture. Available to premium ticket holders on show nights, the space will feature vinyl DJs, chef-driven food offerings, handcrafted cocktails and a curated record collection highlighting Kansas City’s music history.

Food and beverage options throughout the venue will include local partners such as Off the Hook BBQ, Boulevard Brewing Co., J. Rieger & Co. and Tom’s Town Distilling Co., as well as value-priced concessions including $2 hot dogs and $5 beers.

According to project estimates, the amphitheater is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in annual economic impact. More than 360,000 out-of-market visitors are projected to visit the venue each year, contributing an estimated $68 million in local spending and approximately $7.7 million in annual state and local tax revenue.

The venue also incorporates sustainability initiatives through Live Nation’s Green Nation program, including recycling, composting, food donation efforts and measures aimed at reducing single-use plastics. Accessibility features include ADA-compliant services and KultureCity certification for guests with sensory processing needs.

| RELATED: Live Nation Explores New Bentonville Ballroom Venue for Downtown Arts District | 

“Live music has the power to connect people in unforgettable ways, and it’s an honor to be part of the very first performance at Morton Amphitheater while supporting the important work of Steps of Faith Foundation,” said Billy Brimblecom, CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation and a founding member of Summer Breeze. 

“This event is a celebration of music, accessibility, and community all coming together in one place.”

Morton Amphitheater’s first season is expected to feature more than 30 events across a variety of genres. Following Kesha’s opening-night performance, scheduled artists include Guns N’ Roses, Tyler Childers, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Luke Bryan, Santana, and $uicideboy$.