Pepsi Amphitheater Information

Pepsi Amphitheater represents Northern Arizona’s cultural heartbeat, offering a distinctive blend of entertainment and natural splendor. This outdoor venue has become synonymous with quality performances in a setting that showcases Flagstaff’s unique mountain environment.

Location and Setting

Situated within Fort Tuthill County Park just south of Flagstaff, Pepsi Amphitheater occupies a prime location that’s accessible and scenic. Located off Interstate 17 at Exit 337, the venue sits at an elevation of approximately 6,900 feet amidst the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest.

This setting provides breathtaking natural beauty and a comfortable climate during Arizona’s hot summer months. Here, it’s typically 20 to 30 degrees cooler than in Phoenix. The amphitheater’s placement within the 621-acre county park complements other recreational facilities, including hiking trails, an adventure course, and campgrounds.

Venue Design and Capacity

Pepsi Amphitheater features a thoughtful architectural design that maximizes functionality and aesthetic appeal. The venue boasts a 9,500-square-foot roofed stage area that enhances acoustics while providing weather protection. Its curved, semi-circular layout follows classical amphitheater principles, creating natural sound projection across the seating areas.

With a total capacity of approximately 3,000 attendees, the venue balances an intimate concert experience with sufficient space for larger events. The tiered seating arrangement ensures good sightlines from virtually any position, whether in the reserved sections near the stage or on the spacious general admission lawn that slopes gently upward from the main seating area.

Amenities and Facilities

Pepsi Amphitheater provides various amenities to enhance visitor comfort and enjoyment during events. The venue prioritizes convenience while maintaining the natural outdoor concert experience that patrons love. You can access:

• Food and beverage options:
  Full-service bars offering premium brands, local craft beers, and non-alcoholic alternatives

• Cashless payment systems:
  Streamlined transactions throughout the venue

• Restroom facilities:
  Strategically located throughout the grounds

• ADA accessible facilities:
  Ramps from entrances to seating areas, a designated seating section, and accessible restrooms

• Water refill stations:
  Conveniently placed for patron use

• Merchandise areas:
  Locations for artists and event merchandise

Venue History

Pepsi Amphitheater is a testament to Northern Arizona’s commitment to arts and entertainment. Its evolution from modest beginnings to premier outdoor events reflects community vision and strategic development, creating a cultural landmark within Flagstaff’s entertainment landscape.

Origins and Development

The amphitheater’s story begins in the historic setting of Fort Tuthill County Park, a former Arizona National Guard training site established in the 1930s and 40s. The original performance space emerged in a much simpler form decades ago, primarily serving local community events and modest productions. The transformation into today’s modern facility began when Coconino County recognized the potential for a professional-grade venue that could attract national touring acts while highlighting the area’s natural beauty.

A significant redesign and construction phase launched in the early 2010s, with R Entertainment North eventually assuming management and programming responsibilities. The partnership between county ownership and private management created a sustainable operating model that serves public interests and entertainment industry standards.

The addition of the distinctive 9,500-square-foot roofed stage area marked a pivotal upgrade, enhancing performer and audience experiences while extending the venue’s seasonal capabilities. By 2012, the rebranded Pepsi Amphitheater emerged in its current form, becoming the premier destination for Northern Arizona outdoor concerts.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Pepsi Amphitheater has established an impressive legacy through performances by world-class talents like Robert Plant, Sheryl Crow, and Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Rising stars, including Jelly Roll and Teddy Swims, have graced the stage while Billy Idol’s concert set attendance records.

The venue hosts the nationally recognized Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival and traditional Fourth of July concerts featuring the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. It won “Best Live Music Venue” from the Arizona Daily Sun and continues to host a diverse range of artists on its stage.

Types of Events Hosted at Pepsi Amphitheater

Pepsi Amphitheater hosts a diverse range of entertainment throughout its operating season, catering to varied tastes and interests. From intimate acoustic performances to large-scale productions, the venue adapts its space to accommodate different event formats while maintaining the signature outdoor experience that makes it special. This versatility has established the amphitheater as a cultural cornerstone for Flagstaff residents and visitors.

Concerts and Musical Performances

The heart of Pepsi Amphitheater’s programming consists of Flagstaff live musical performances spanning virtually every genre. Rock and country artists frequently headline the venue, drawing enthusiastic crowds from across the Southwest. The amphitheater has welcomed renowned acts like Sheryl Crow, Jelly Roll, Teddy Swims, and Steve Martin, along with rising stars making their mark on the national scene.

Folk, bluegrass, and Americana performers find the pine forest setting particularly complementary to their acoustic sounds, creating memorable nights under the stars. The venue’s excellent sound system and natural acoustics attract discerning musicians who appreciate the technical quality alongside the unique atmosphere. During the summer, the cool evening temperatures make extended performances comfortable for artists and audiences, allowing for deeper setlists and more engaged experiences than might not be possible in hotter climates.

Festivals and Special Events

Multi-day festivals transform Pepsi Amphitheater and the surrounding areas into immersive entertainment destinations. The venue’s signature annual events include the Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival, which attracts acoustic music enthusiasts for several performances, workshops, and community-building days. Electronic dance music finds its home during events like Escape To Coconino, where the natural environment combines with cutting-edge sound and lighting to create a distinctive festival experience.

The amphitheater’s location within Fort Tuthill County Park provides valuable flexibility for festival organizers, with space for multiple stages, vendor areas, and even camping options nearby. These extended events showcase the venue in its most vibrant form, with daytime programming flowing seamlessly into evening headliner performances as the forest setting transitions from sunlit to starlit.

Community Gatherings

Beyond commercial entertainment, Pepsi Amphitheater is a vital gathering place for community events that strengthen Flagstaff’s cultural identity. The annual Fourth of July celebration featuring the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra has become a beloved tradition, blending patriotic music with the natural splendor of the setting. Local schools and organizations occasionally utilize the space for ceremonies and presentations that benefit from the professional infrastructure.

The venue’s accessibility features ensure that these community events remain available to all residents regardless of mobility challenges. What distinguishes these gatherings is how they transform the amphitheater from a tourist destination into a genuine community asset, where shared experiences build lasting connections among Flagstaff residents while still welcoming visitors. These events often highlight local talent and cultural traditions that might lack an appropriately scaled professional venue.

Ticketing Information

Securing tickets for Pepsi Amphitheater events requires understanding the various purchasing options and policies. The venue has streamlined its ticketing process to accommodate different preferences while maintaining security for all transactions. Planning is recommended, as popular performances often sell out well before show dates.

Purchasing Channels

Several methods exist for obtaining tickets to Pepsi Amphitheater events, each offering different advantages depending on your needs and timeline.

• The official website (PepsiAmp.com) provides the most up-to-date inventory and typically offers the lowest service fees for online purchases.

• The venue’s authorized third-party seller (Etix) offers direct access to all venue events.

• Mobile Etix purchases allow for convenient purchasing, ticket transfers, and digital entry without requiring physical printouts.

• The on-site box office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and opens several hours before events for day-of-show purchases.

• Phone orders can be placed during business hours for patrons who prefer speaking with a representative when selecting their seats.

Ticket Types

Pepsi Amphitheater offers several ticket categories to match different preferences for viewing experience and price points. Reserved seating tickets provide assigned seats in the covered sections closest to the stage, offering guaranteed spots with optimal sightlines. General admission tickets grant patrons access to the spacious lawn area, where they can bring low-profile chairs or blankets for a more casual experience.

VIP packages include premium seating in the first rows, separate entrance access, dedicated servers, and, depending on the event, occasional artist meet-and-greet opportunities. Early entry options are sometimes offered as add-ons, allowing patrons to access the venue before standard gates open to secure preferred spots.

Group sales accommodations are available for parties of seven or more, often including modest discounts and simplified ordering for coordinated seating.

Ticket Policies

Understanding the venue’s ticket policies helps prevent complications and ensures a smooth entry experience on the event day.

• » Pepsi Amphitheater operates as a cashless facility, accepting only credit or debit cards for ticket purchases at the box office.

• » Lost or stolen tickets can be replaced by contacting the box office with purchase confirmation details and valid identification.

• » Will-call pickup requires the purchasing credit card and matching photo identification, with no exceptions for third-party collection.

• » Print-at-home tickets must include clear barcodes and complete information to be valid; damaged or partial printouts may be rejected.

• » The venue maintains a strict no-refund policy, though tickets remain valid if events are rescheduled rather than canceled.

Concessions and Amenities

Pepsi Amphitheater provides various services designed to enhance comfort and enjoyment during performances. These thoughtful amenities complement the entertainment experience while addressing the practical needs of patrons in an outdoor venue setting.

Food Options

Rather than traditional concession stands, the amphitheater features rotating local food trucks and vendors stationed throughout the concourse. This approach delivers fresh, diverse options ranging from quick snacks to more substantial meals. The selection typically includes crowd-pleasers like wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, and street tacos alongside vegetarian and allergen-friendly alternatives.

Vendor lineups vary by event, with larger performances offering expanded culinary choices. The focus remains on portable foods that work well in a concert environment.

Beverage Options

Refreshment stands throughout the venue serve beverages appropriate for Flagstaff’s mountain climate. The bar program features craft beers from Arizona breweries alongside national brands, premium spirits, and wine selections. Specialty cocktails often reflect themes connected to specific performances.

Non-alcoholic options extend beyond standard Pepsi products. Strategically placed water refill stations encourage proper hydration, which is particularly important at the venue’s elevation, where dehydration occurs more rapidly.

Payment Methods

Pepsi Amphitheater is a completely cashless facility. All vendors, merchandise stands, and service points accept major credit cards and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

The venue does not provide cash-to-card conversion services, so patrons should arrive prepared with appropriate payment methods. This streamlined approach reduces transaction times and helps minimize wait periods during peak service moments before performances and during intermissions.

Additional Amenities

Convenience features throughout the venue address practical needs during events. Clean restroom facilities are positioned at clearly marked locations accessible from all seating areas, and phone charging stations allow patrons to maintain device power throughout extended performances.

A staffed first aid station assists with minor medical needs. Merchandise areas offer event-specific items alongside venue-branded souvenirs. The information booth near the main entrance is the central point for guest services, including lost and found coordination. You can visit this booth with any questions during the event.

Are You Ready To Visit Flagstaff’s Premier Outdoor Venue?

Pepsi Amphitheater stands as Flagstaff’s premier outdoor concert venue, nestled in the majestic ponderosa pine forest at Fort Tuthill County Park. With exceptional acoustics, diverse seating options, and a 3,000-person capacity, it offers an unparalleled blend of world-class entertainment and natural mountain beauty.

The venue hosts everything from major musical acts to community festivals while providing modern amenities in a comfortable climate that’s usually 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. To secure your tickets for upcoming events, visit the official website, explore options from Etix, or visit the on-site box office open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park see the pages below:

Pepsi Amphitheater Parking:
Read parking information and directions for the Pepsi Amphitheater.

Ticket Policies:
Read ticket policies, ticket verification and refund policies.

Pepsi Amphitheater Seating Chart:
View the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park seating map and read related seating information.