Cultural Park Amphitheater

The City of Sedona is issuing a Request for Information on restoration and operation of an abandoned 5,530-seat amphitheater venue located on City-owned property at the Western Gateway in West Sedona, with RFI responses due October 1, 2026. The RFI is a preliminary inquiry; the City will evaluate responses to determine whether to issue a formal RFP.

Respondents must be qualified private entities capable of restoring and operating the venue. The 41-acre property comprises eight parcels, with approximately 25 acres proposed for lease to the operator. The amphitheater operated from 2000 to 2003 before closure and is currently in deteriorated condition; the 2025 Structural Condition Assessment documents significant deterioration of the wood stage subfloor, weathering of glulam beams, and spray foam roof failure, though the structure is not in danger of imminent collapse. All restoration and operation must comply with existing Planned Development zoning, which limits outdoor events to a six-month season (May through October) with prescribed event-type caps: 12 festivals at up to 5,530 capacity, 18 concerts at up to 2,500 capacity, and 70 theater or chamber music events at up to 1,200 capacity.

The RFI requests comprehensive information on organizational capacity, relevant experience with amphitheaters and entertainment venues, restoration and business plans, operational approaches, financing and revenue sources, risk allocation, and identified challenges. The City intends to lease the property at fair market value; lease terms including duration, area size, operation structure, and construction schedule remain negotiable.

Respondents should note that Initiative I2026-01, appearing on the July 21, 2026 ballot, would prohibit overnight camping and residential development while designating the entire site as a public park that must remain open to the public and requiring the City to maintain existing structures. Site tours may be arranged during business hours (Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) with 48 hours' advance notice. Responses are submitted via the City's eProcurement system at sedonaaz.bonfirehub.com/portal and become public records under Arizona State law, though respondents may request confidential treatment for sensitive information. The City will not reimburse response preparation costs and reserves the right to cancel the RFI or decline to issue a subsequent RFP.