C3 / Live Nation To Book New VAI Amphitheater In Arizona

VAI Resort, the new $1 billion hotel, resort and live entertainment destination in Glendale, Arizona, has announced that C3 Presents and Live Nation will jointly book and promote shows at its new, $50 million amphitheater venue.

The resort, which plans to open toward the end of the year, hopes to stage more than 100 concerts per year, according to the announcement.

“We are excited to be booking VAI Resort’s unique amphitheater they are bringing into the Phoenix market,” said Andrew Blank, C3 Presents Casinos Division Director. “It is a great opportunity for us to work together to bring even more great live events to the local community.”

“We’re excited about our collaboration with C3 Presents and Live Nation, global leaders in live entertainment,” says Howard Weiss, VAI Resort’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment & Sponsorships. “Teaming up with their industry expertise is a perfect fit for the new VAI Amphitheater. With C3 Presents and Live Nation as our booking partners, we are dedicated to delivering the ultimate concert experience, so much so, that we have increased the budget for the venue to $50 million. This includes adding a second floor with more reserved seats and additional amenities. Through this partnership we will bring top artists to our first-of-its-kind venue, offering 5-Star hospitality for both fans and artists alike.”

The 11,000-plus-capacity amphitheater’s location allows hotel guests a view of the action from their hotel rooms, leading to opportunities for sky boxes, VIP booths and high-end reserved stadium seats.

The environment also leads to upscale artist amenities, including multiple suite types, private elevators and tunnels that allow access to the venue seamlessly.

The venue is designed to “plug and play,” cutting down on the equipment artists provide, Weiss said. Backstage amenities include an elevator and underground tunnels connecting the Rockstar Suite directly to the performance green room, ensuring privacy and convenience for artists.  TAIT is supplying its Navigator automation platform, with other suppliers including L’Acoustics for audio. 

“The artists can come in with limited gear and support and turn on a show here relatively quickly,” Weiss said in a previous interview. 

The resort itself features a five-acre pool and temperature-controlled white sand beaches. Konos Island, the country’s largest man-made party island, encompasses 52,000 square feet, complete with a restaurant, private cabanas, a DJ booth and a 16-person aerial bar with panoramic views from 150 feet in the sky. The hotel has 12 upscale restaurants; 10 bars and lounges; a high-end shopping corridor and the Mattel Adventure Park.