Each summer, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (aka The Amp) hosts an array of entertaining Vail events, from internationally renowned performances at Vail Dance Festival to free concerts put on by Hot Summer Nights. Here are handy tips to help you take advantage of this unique outdoor venue and enjoy the full experience of any Vail performance held there.
Claim Your Spot
This spacious outdoor stage is divided into lawn and pavilion seating with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. Grab a hillside seat on a first-come, first-served basis or reserve a ticketed seat under the canopy. See accessible-seating options.
Any lawn guest is encouraged to arrive an hour early to claim their grassy spot and to bring their own chairs, blankets, pillows and more. Find out more about The Amp’s seating gear policies.
Plan for All Types of Summer Weather
While Vail days can be drenched in sunlight, Vail nights are cool and can bring light rain (or, rarely, flurries). Always check the weather forecast for the evening and bring warm clothing layers to wear when the sun goes down. In the event of rainy skies, it’s also helpful to pack a raincoat or small umbrella to stay dry.
Pack a Picnic
The Amp provides a variety of food and beverage concessions before a show and during intermission, and you’re welcome to bring your own spread of food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy throughout a performance. Keep in mind the venue-approved food-and-drink storage policies.
Getting There
The Amp is located at 530 S. Frontage Road E., adjacent to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Ford Park.
Walking directions: Ditch the car and go on foot to the amphitheater along Vail’s picturesque walking path. From the Vail Village parking structure, head northeast toward the softball fields and follow the paved path into the park on the right to arrive. Hop on a golf cart for a ride between the path and The Amp before and after a show or take the Gore Creek Trail directly to the venue.
From the Ford Park parking lot: Look for the bike path at the southeast end of the tennis courts — it’ll lead you downhill straight to the arena.
Free Vail Bus: Catch the free bus shuttle from Vail Village or Lionshead parking structures and you’ll get to The Amp in no time. Learn more about the Vail bus schedules.
Parking: Among the 10-plus parking opportunities, limited paid parking is available at Ford Park and the soccer field. Free parking is available in the summer at the Vail Village and Lionshead Village parking structures, both a short walk and shuttle ride from the venue. Courtesy cart service is provided to the facility on a regular basis before and after each performance for those needing transportation assistance.