(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Community members around the city are no strangers to the Ford Amphitheater concert noise argument — so to put an end to the discussion, the city of Colorado Springs has shared an independent sound study that found the music venue compliant.

The city shared a fully independent report Friday. Nov. 1, which measured concert noise at Ford Amphitheater during three October concerts: Foreigner, Ivan Cornejo, and Godsmack.

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During the three concerts, the City monitored the sound from various locations in the neighborhood near Ford Amphitheater, and the locations varied depending on the concert. The study was conducted by Hankard Environmental, Inc. and was ordered by the City Hall after receiving noise complaints from neighbors.

“The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the sound levels that neighbors experience during concerts and to ensure that the city has an independent and professional impact analysis,” said Travis Easton, deputy chief of infrastructure and development staff. . “Although the amphitheater meets the requirements of its development plan, we understand that the noise has been a nuisance to some neighbors in that area. We remain committed to working with neighbors and the amphitheater as they make adjustments to further reduce these impacts.”

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The study found that sound levels depended on the area and that atmospheric conditions played a “significant role” in sound propagation. In some areas of the community, the concert was clearly audible, while in others, traffic noise and the sound of the concert blended.

To remain compliant, noise levels must not exceed more than 110 decibels (dB) once every five minutes. The report found that two concerts exceeded the 110dB limit, but not more than once in any five-minute period. Peak levels did not exceed the limit at all during the Foreigner concert.

City deems Ford Amphitheater compliant with noise readings

Previously, VENU, the owner of the Ford Amphitheater, conducted its own study of noise levels during three concerts from August 9th to August 11th. That study also measured musical venue compliance. Now, VENU is actively studying its noise levels throughout its concert season and preparing a final report that will provide data from every concert in 2024—a requirement of the development plan approved by the City Council in 2023.

VENU and city officials are currently working on a timeline for sound mitigation efforts. The city said this will happen before the amphitheater’s 2025 concert season, which is expected to begin in May.

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