A new place for music events is planned for Collin County after the McKinney City Council agreed to the project.
McKinney will be the new location for The Sunset at McKinney, which will be built on 45 acres authorized by council members on April 16 in a 6-1 vote.
The venue will be located at the corner of Highway 75 and 121 and will cost $226 million. The developer will pay $220 million, and the City of McKinney will pay $26 million in taxpayer money.
Michael Kowski, the president and CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, presented the venue, noting that it will be operated by Live Nation and AEG, with Notes Live investing in the project as well.
The venue is expected to create 677 jobs in McKinney and is projected to bring in $98 million in sales and $49 million in visitor spending that will impact surrounding hotels in the county.
The Sunset at McKinney will have 20,000 seats and 300 plus suites with covered seating and parking. The venue’s design was noted by Billboard Magazine as one of the most compelling concepts last year for new music venues, according to Bob Mudd, Notes Live president and COO.
The venue will also host graduations, cultural events, and family-friendly community and civic events.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to create what is expected to be the most luxurious amphitheater in the United States,” Mudd said.
Some in the community did not favor the theater and voiced their concerns about noise and traffic.
“The property values around that area will decline. If you want a lot of short-term rentals, this is the way to do it,” said resident Scott Lucier.
Some community members also voiced their support for the venue, with many expressing their excitement.
“Your quality of life is not going to change, and I believe, in fact, it will be enriched,” McKinney Council Member Charlie Philips said.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2024, with the goal of having artists performing on stage in 2026.
“Overall, it’s a win-win for us and a win-win for the community,” Mudd said. “We want to be partners; that’s the type of people we are. We are committed to having a great relationship with the neighborhood.”
Council Member Justin Beller voted against the theater.
Notes Live also has amphitheaters in Colorado, Georgia, and Oklahoma.
