SteelGrove Amphitheater
The SteelGrove Amphitheater is an exciting joint project between the City of Elizabethtown and Elizabethtown Tourism. This new outdoor venue is set to open Spring 2027 and is Central Kentucky's largest outdoor venue with seating for 10,000 people on a 55-acre site.
In addition to entertainment, the outdoor venue will serve as a prime location for various community events. It will host festivals, outdoor markets, local special events, and community celebrations, making it a vibrant hub for Elizabethtown residents and visitors alike.
We’re excited to share the concept for Elizabethtown’s upcoming outdoor venue, an innovative venue designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. As you can see, the design preserves many of the existing trees, embodying the theme of "a walk in the woods." This unique approach will set our venue apart, offering an experience unlike any other in Kentucky.
The outdoor venue will incorporate natural elements for shading and utilize the gentle slope of the land to enhance comfort and visibility for guests. As you face the performance platform with professional rigging, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Buffalo Lake directly behind, creating a stunning backdrop for concerts and performances.
Construction on Outdoor Venue has begun
Elizabethtown Tourism and the City of Elizabethtown is excited to announce the initial construction phase for the…
Proposed renderings of the design
Outdoor Venue FAQ
Elizabethtown's newest venue is named SteelGrove Amphitheater.
Announcement for the name and logo for the venue is coming soon.
How was the name decided?
It was very important to the City of Elizabethtown and Elizabethtown Tourism for the name to tell the story of the place. SteelGrove Amphitheater is located in the middle of the trees with a beautiful natural backdrop, and the stage is constructed out of steel that will support performers for years to come. The name SteelGrove was the perfect fit to blend the two defining features and is unique Elizabethtown.
How is the venue being funded?
Funding for the construction will be a joint agreement by the City of Etown and Tourism. The majority of the cost will come from the local restaurant tax, which is a city tax of 2% on prepared foods. This is a current City collected tax that must be used to attract additional visitors to our community
Will the venue create a new tax?
No. The outdoor venue will not create any new taxes. the funding will come from the restaurant tax, as listed above.
What is the timeline for this project?
Design has been completed and construction has started, the estimated opening date is Spring 2027.
Where will it be located?
The venue will be located just south of Exit 94, adjacent to I-65, which will be along the extension of Commerce Drive, on the edge of Buffalo Lake.
How many people will the venue hold?
There will be 4,000 seats in the “bowl” area of the venue, these will be flexible seats (not permanent) to allow for other uses such as festivals for the bowl area. An additional 6,000 seats will be on the sides and back of the bowl, this will allow for a combined seating of 10,000 capacity for shows.
Will this impact Buffalo Lake Trails?
Yes, some of the trails along Buffalo Lake will be impacted. However, the venue will also serve as a resource for people who enjoy the trail as it will provide ample parking for visitors and local sporting events, public access to restrooms and clear navigational signage. For more information on all the wonderful trails in Elizabethtown please visit Greenspaceky.com.
How big is the plot of land the venue is on?
Size of plot: 55 acres, owned by City of Elizabethtown, purchased in 2024 for the purposes of this project.
What type of buildings will be located at the venue?
Buildings will include performance platform with professional rigging, tech support, artist areas, VIP meet and greet, concession, restrooms, administration, ticket office, and security.
What elements of the design will make the this venue unique?
The venue will have "a walk in the woods" feel and will focus on preserving and highlighting the natural beauty of the area with the backdrop being Buffalo Lake while also blending in modern amenities like state of the art technology and sound systems.
When will job and performance opportunities be listed?
Job opportunities and performance opportunities will both be shared later this year.
I'm interested in being a vendor/supplier for the venue. Who do I contact?
Please send your contact information to jclark@touretown.com. Your information and trade/product will be shared with our construction management team to be included on any future bid packages.
Are there corporate sponsorships or naming opportunities?
Yes, there are opportunities for Corporate Sponsorships and Corporate Partnerships. For more information regarding Sponsorships, Partnerships or onsite branding, contact Satish Athelli directly, sathelli@sportsfacilities.com.
I'm an entertainer/performance artist. When will you audition talent?
Please watch social media and this website for future opportunities!
Will the community (schools, companies, organizations) be able to rent this venue?
Yes! Along with entertainment, there will be options for a variety of special events, rentals and much more. Please be patient while we design and get into construction.