How Vystar Ampitheater in Stockbridge, Georgia became one of the hottest venues in Atlanta
- Carl Agard
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
The VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge — formerly the Stockbridge Amphitheater — has really come alive this summer, emerging not just as a concert venue but as a hub for community energy, culture, and growth. Since opening in 2021, the amphitheater’s trajectory is getting steeper, thanks to recent upgrades, strong partnerships, and big-name shows that are putting it on the map.
Recent Upgrades & Developments
Name Sponsorship & Branding: As of January 2025, the venue was renamed VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge following a naming rights agreement with VyStar Credit Union. This comes with not just a new name but a deeper community partnership, ticketing perks for VyStar members, VIP experiences, and support programs (e.g. Military Ticket discounts).
Infrastructure & Access Improvements: There’s been investment in better parking (including adding more lots off North Lee Street) to improve access. Also, Downtown Stockbridge’s infrastructure has seen about $3 million in improvements tied to and around the amphitheater.
Box Office & Community Engagement Events: In April, the venue had a “Ribbon Cutting & Box Office Bash” event. That included live entertainment, food trucks, in-person ticket sales with seat selection, plus fan engagement with things like financial wellness games. The idea is to strengthen local ties and make the venue more than just a stage.
Recent Shows Over the Summer
A few of the headline-concerts this summer have helped reinforce the amphitheater’s rising profile:
Ladies of the ’80s (June 14, 2025): Featuring major ’80s female artists like Karyn White, Regina Belle, Deniece Williams, and more. It drew on nostalgia, strong vocal power, and vintage feels; people came ready.
Juneteenth Celebration: This free event was hosted by Big Tigger with opening performer Philippia and headlined by Arrested Development. This event also showcased several food trucks and all types of vendors.
Fourth of July Extravaganza: Another huge free event which brought all of Atlanta out to show love to Jagged Edge and celebrate all of their musical accomplishments. The night was capped out with a major fireworks show.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Friends’ 40 Years of Hits Anniversary (August 30, 2025): A big night with those legends celebrating their catalog, with special guest stars like Deborah Cox, Ruben Studdard, MC Lyte, Yolanda Adams, etc. Big crowd, high energy, big production.
And this was just a small sample of all the stars and shows that came through the Ampitheater. Every weekend throughout the summer there was an action packed show featuring headliners such as Tank, Ginuwine, Next, Tyrese, and much more.
What makes the resurgence more than just hype:
Strong Partnerships (VyStar, local government) have brought funding, branding, and community integration.
Improved logistics (parking, accessibility, amenities) are reducing friction for concertgoers.
Curated show selection with legacy acts and “nostalgia” concerts tends to pull in dedicated, passionate audiences. These shows often bring in fans who travel, spend locally, reinforcing economic impact.
Community engagement — events that aren’t strictly concerts (box office bashes, local discounts, outreach) are building goodwill and making the venue feel like part of Stockbridge, rather than a draw only when big names are playing. Also the inclusion of locally owned food trucks and clothing vendors
Great Price Point - With a capacity of over 3,000 seats, the average ticket for shows were around $65. Not bad when your dealing with inflation but still want to take in some entertainment.
To buy tickets for future shows, go to www.stockbridgeamp.com
