The Coca-Cola Amphitheater wrapped up a successful inaugural season in late October, welcoming an impressive lineup of performers including Dave Matthews Band, Riley Green, Ben Rector, Leon Bridges, Nelly and more.
Owned by the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) and managed by Live Nation Entertainment, the newly constructed amphitheater hosted more than 30 shows in its first season. The 9,300-seat venue was filled nearly every weekend from mid-August through late October, featuring a wide range of entertainment from classic rock and rap, to country and blues.
One of the amphitheater’s most defining features is its setting. Fans enjoy a sweeping hillside view overlooking downtown Birmingham’s iconic skyline, offering a one-of-a-kind concert experience. Located on the former Carraway Hospital site in the heart of Druid Hills, the venue is part of the BJCC campus and supports nearby events at Protective Stadium, Legacy Arena and more.
The new venue has already become a cornerstone for Birmingham’s growing arts and entertainment scene, offering residents and visitors a vibrant place to come together for music, food and community. Despite early concerns, feedback from concertgoers has been overwhelmingly positive. “Overall, the sound was incredible, much better than I expected from a big venue,” one attendee shared on Reddit.
Amenities are another standout feature. The amphitheater includes ample concession options, multiple bars, a VIP vinyl room with an outdoor patio and 17 designated parking lots across the BJCC campus. Guests parking farther away can take advantage of the city’s new shuttle service, connecting the Uptown Entertainment District to the venue. Rideshare lanes are also conveniently located nearby.
Accessibility and sustainability were core priorities for the venue. In partnership with Birmingham-based nonprofit KultureCity, the venue is sensory-inclusive, providing sensory bags at guest services to ensure all guests have an enjoyable experience. Coca-Cola has also implemented its Zero Waste Initiative at the amphitheater, promoting the use of recyclable and compostable products throughout the facility.
Adding to its unique atmosphere, the amphitheater sits beneath the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Airport flight path, where planes often pass overhead during performances. “The planes overhead were such an awesome visual,” another Reddit user noted.
With one show already booked for April 2026 and more announcements on the horizon, the Coca-Cola Amphitheater is quickly establishing itself as a premier entertainment destination in Birmingham – uniting people through music and community.
GMC is proud to have played a role in making this vision come to life, serving as the associate architect on the project. Generator Studio served as the architect of record, with Stone Building Company as the contractor.
