Lawrence Gowan and his bandmates of Styx performed along with Kevin Cronin at Utah First Amp in early June. (Photos by Tom Haraldsen/Salt Lake Business Journal)
After close to 40 shows spread over five months, the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre’s 2025 season came to a close on Oct. 12 when rockers Judas Priest and Alice Cooper finished their tour. In-between, musicians of all genres entertained hundreds of thousands of fans in the West Valley City venue.
“It was a great season again,” said Trent Falcone, director of regional marketing for Live Nation, who books the bands. “I’m continually shocked that every year we just hit a new level, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens again next year. We had such a great diversity of shows, something for everybody, and this venue continues to be one of the best experiences for live music in Utah.”
Falcone, who is already busy booking acts for 2026, said performers who come to Utah First Amp (as many call it) love it.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Cyndi Lauper brought her farewell tour to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre on Aug. 14.
“There were a few shows that they told us were the most successful ones on their tours,” he said. “Some of our bands were very well known and have been for years, and others were newer bands, up-and-comers. Many said that this was the largest crowd they’d ever played for. And many of the ‘veteran’ bands who’ve been here before continued telling us that one of their best audiences on their tours are in Utah.”He pointed to comments made by Dashboard Confessional, an American emo band who opened for the Goo Goo Dolls in August, who remarked to Falcone that “‘we have always loved this city, and its fans have supported us when other places didn’t.’ It was very heartfelt and sincere, and we heard stories like this all summer long.”
The amphitheatre added some new attractions this year, including The Backyard, an exclusive dining venue near the south side of the main stage, and a larger assortment of food and beverage options. The merchandise venues were constantly filled with fans waiting to purchase shirts and hats and souvenirs, and two photo spots manned by members of the Utah First Credit Union family took thousands of pictures on fans’ cell phones and cameras.
While everyone involved with Live Nation and Utah First Amp loved seeing so many ticket sales, Falcone said a successful season for him is “seeing people having an amazing time, smiling and happy. Some artists don’t get here very often, so it’s great when every aspect of a concert comes together, from technical and vendor support to appreciating fans. This year we had great weather for most of our shows, so we were very blessed with that.”
He has already booked a few performers for 2026, the most notable being Rod Stewart for his One Last Time tour June 19, and Train’s 25th anniversary tour Aug. 19, with many more to come.
“I’ve been loving music for a long, long time,” Falcone said, “and it’s great to see so many acts want to come back. There will be many more announcements over the next few months, and we’re working hard to once again bring everyone some great shows.”