A new financial audit of Dillon Amphitheater is laying bare all the unexpected expenses of a town-run concert venue.
Let’s start with the tickets. Last summer alone 26 paid shows at Dillon Amp sold $5.4 million worth of tickets. The town banked only a fraction of that, about $363,000, after paying out to promoters like AEG. It is known as “ticketing sales pass through,” and just about every venue in the U.S. forfeits this money to the companies that control ticket sales.
Most of the town’s concert revenue came from food and beverage sales, representing almost $1.5 million last year, and venue fees, representing $577,000. Add that to revenue from parking, merchandise and other fees, and Dillon Amp made $2.46 million in 2025.
That was the most in history, thanks in large part to the biggest bar tab in history, but gross revenue wasn’t the end of the audit.
Subtract this…
A third-party financial consultant, Carri McDonnell, formerly the town’s finance director, also looked at expenses directly tied to the amphitheater, including payroll, security and “hospitality” (like food in the green room and artist accommodations).
Those expenses added up to about $1.55 million, leaving the town with just over $913,000 in profit.
…Subtract that…
But wait, that’s not all. McDonnell also looked at what she considers “other” items to consider.
Outside revenue from concerts, like sales and accommodation taxes, fell far short of outside expenses, like police salaries (every show requires a few cops) and paying off the venue’s debt.
In 2025 the town collected roughly $553,000 from sales and lodging taxes, plus an additional sales tax on concessions inside the amp. It was about half of what the town spent ($1.05 million) on concert prep, cops, debt and keeping the lights on at the amp.
That leaves the town with just under $419,000 in cash from the 2025 concert season.
… And add this
Since 2016, when town council voted to upgrade the amp, Dillon has spent $13.1 million. Every year it spends more on the amp, using money from the capital fund on everything from speakers and lighting to a recently expanded green room.
The town will be paying off this debt for another decade at least.
McDonnell left council with this, in a recap of her audit:
“The council during the design and construction intended for the amphitheater to be an economic driver, bringing visitors and locals into town. They were not focused on making the amphitheater a profit center.”
This intention has been the rallying cry for both sides of an ongoing feud over the amp.
One group, including neighbors across the street, wants fewer and quieter concerts after an independent sound audit.
Another larger group, of local musicians and concertgoers, fears the amp will lose the momentum it has gained, including a spot on USA Today’s list of 10 Best outdoor venues.