HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville's Orion Amphitheater has been honored as the "Top East Coast Amphitheater" on Billboard's prestigious 2024 Top Music Venues list, standing out among just 26 venues worldwide. Expressing gratitude for this recognition, Managing Director Ryan Murphy remarked, "Being recognized by Billboard, a venerable institution in the music industry, among such esteemed company is truly humbling. It reflects the dedicated efforts of our team to create unforgettable experiences for artists, crews, and fans."
The Orion also ranked #33 on the Pollstar's Top 50 Worldwide Amphitheaters list and hosted an lineup of 32 concerts and 83 community and cultural events for 2023. Notable performers included Lana Del Rey, Brandi Carlile, Snoop Dogg, James Taylor, and many more. "You know, I think you have all these venues of our size, smaller and bigger, that are just kind of doing the cookie cutter business," Murphy shares. "They're seeing who's out on tour. We actively go after all kinds of diverse programing to make sure we're hitting all the bases." The Orion drew over 187,800 attendees, with nearly half coming from outside Alabama.
Looking ahead to 2024, The Orion anticipates an even more significant year with plans for over 75 community-focused events and 40 concerts, including a highly anticipated performance by Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Other acts scheduled include Lainey Wilson, Styx, Foreigner, and Greta Van Fleet, with more to be announced. "I mean, I think the goal has always been like, we want to be one of the top venues in the world, right? So, to get this ranking feels like, wow, we're hitting it," Murphy shares. "We want to be that. We want to be like Red Rocks or the Gorge or these Hollywood Bowl. We want to be said in the same breath."
The Orion Amphitheater serves as a cultural hub beyond music, hosting markets, art displays, and educational events year-round. This 8,000-capacity venue has garnered numerous awards since its opening in 2022, including nominations for Amphitheater of the Year and New Concert Venue of the Year. It also received the 2022 Partnership in Tourism Award from the Alabama Tourism Department and Attraction of the Year from the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association.