Vail’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater begins first phase of $19 million transformation
New seats and hand railings to be installed as part of the Vail Valley Foundation’s Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign
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The Vail Valley Foundation is launching the first phase of improvements at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater this month. The replacement of pavilion seating and installation of handrails will mark the start of a comprehensive $19 million renovation that will transform the iconic outdoor venue in the next few years.
Irwin Seating Co., which installed the original pavilion seating in 1983, will lead the seating replacement project. The existing seats have served the venue well over the decades, but normal wear and tear and a lack of available replacement parts have made ongoing repairs unsustainable, prompting a full upgrade.
The new seats will be myrtle green, complementing the natural landscape surrounding the venue. The seats are 100% fabricated and sourced in the United States and feature upholstered seat cushions and cup holders. Hand railings will also be installed in select areas of the pavilion to enhance the guest experience.
“The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater is one of the most stunning natural amphitheater environments in the world, drawing world-class artists and creating lifelong memories for community members and visitors,” said Dave Dressman, vice president of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. “These improvements will elevate that experience further, allowing us to deliver an even higher level of performance and hospitality for generations to come.”
Seats will start coming out in early October, and new seats will be installed by the end of March 2026, with convenience railings expected to be installed by the middle of May 2026.
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Many of the amphitheater’s current seats feature plaques honoring donors and businesses that have supported the venue over the years. These plaques will be available for collection at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in spring 2026.
Donors who have supported previous Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater renovations and who continue as current Vail Valley Foundation annual donors will have their names transferred to the new seating in the same locations, preserving the legacy of their contributions. These donors will also have the opportunity to take home their original orange seats as keepsakes, commemorating their support for the venue.
Anyone interested in purchasing one of the orange seats may inquire by contacting connect@vvf.org.
Looking ahead
The seating upgrade represents the beginning of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater’s transformation. Additional capital improvements are planned to take place during the winter months with the goal of having all work completed by May 2028. Future improvements will focus on comprehensive infrastructure improvements and enhanced guest, staff and artist amenities.
The renovation plan includes a wide range of upgrades designed to modernize every aspect of the venue experience. Future phases will feature remodeled and expanded concessions, green room and dressing room enhancements, box office upgrades, a new flexible multi-use studio and special event space and expanded storage capabilities in addition to improvements to lighting, acoustics, concrete repairs and office spaces.
The complete $19 million renovation will allow the venue to:
- Meet the needs of artists, production staff and guests across a growing season that will regularly span from April to October.
- Improve food and beverage operations
- Increase diverse programming by 25% during the peak summer season
- Attract the most iconic artists in the world
- Solidify Vail’s premier position within Colorado’s competitive live entertainment landscape
- Ensure that Bravo! Vail Music Festival and Vail Dance Festival maintain their positions as world-renowned classical music and dance festivals
- Increase the economic impact for the town of Vail by several million dollars annually
All renovations are being strategically phased during winter seasons to avoid interrupting the community’s enjoyment of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater during summer performance seasons.
About the Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign
The amphitheater renovations are part of the Vail Valley Foundation’s $72 million Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign, a multi-year initiative designed to transform arts, athletics, education and community support services throughout the Eagle River Valley. The campaign, which launched in early 2024, has already raised more than $40 million toward its goal.
For more information about the Empowering Possibility Capital Campaign, visit Empower.VVF.org.
For the full Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater performance schedule and venue information, visit GRFAVail.com.
