RFI Cultural Park Amphitheater

The City of Sedona is issuing a Request for Information to gauge interest in the restoration and operation of an abandoned 5,530-seat amphitheater on City-owned property at the Western Gateway in West Sedona, with responses due September 30, 2026. This RFI is exploratory; responses will inform the City's decision whether to proceed with a formal solicitation. The scope involves leasing approximately 25 acres of the City's 41-acre property to a qualified private entity for venue restoration, operation, and related amenities.

The property is zoned Planned Development under 1995 Conditions of Approval (amended 2002), permitting an outdoor amphitheater with a 5,530-seat maximum, festival grounds, and an arts village, subject to prescribed event-type caps, seasonal restrictions (May through October), and sound attenuation requirements. A March 2025 Structural Condition Assessment determined the structure is not in imminent danger of collapse but requires remediation including complete replacement of the stage wood subfloor, structural remediation of deteriorated glulam beams, and roof membrane repairs. The City will conduct an appraisal and lease the property at fair market value; lease terms including duration, size (not exceeding 25 acres), and construction schedule are negotiable.

Respondents must submit organizational experience, project vision, business plans, operational models, compliance strategies, lease-term preferences, community benefits, and risk allocation through the City's eProcurement system at https://sedonaaz.bonfirehub.com/portal. Site tours may be arranged during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with 48 hours' advance notice. Questions should be directed to Ian Coubrough, Procurement Officer, at icoubrough@sedonaaz.gov.

A citizen's initiative (I2026-01) on the July 21, 2026 ballot would, if approved, prohibit overnight camping and residential development, designate the property a public park that must remain open to the public, and require the City to maintain existing structures. This RFI does not commit the City to issue a formal RFP or reimburse respondents' costs. All responses become public records unless marked confidential.