City finds Ford Amphitheater compliant in noise readings

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The City released its most recent noise readings on Thursday, Sept. 5, after neighbors complained to the Colorado Springs City Council and contacted police over noise levels at Ford Amphitheater.

Following the soft opening of the venue in early August, the City opened an investigation and monitored decibel levels over the next three concerts from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11.

After receiving about 650 complaints regarding excessive noise from the amphitheater, the city released readings that showed that the venue was compliant during the opening weekend. To remain compliant, noise levels should not exceed more than 110 decibels (dB) once in five minutes.

Noise measurements outside the venue were performed in nearby neighborhoods. All readings showed the venue remained compliant throughout the opening weekend and did not exceed 110 dB.

The highest recorded decibel was between 50-78 dB on the 10000 block of Rockbridge Circle, which was located 4,135 feet away from the venue. Inside the amphitheater, the highest noise level recorded was 116.8 dB. Noise levels inside the venue ranged, although most of the readings were compliant.

The City said the numbers they recorded were comparable to data recorded by the company that owned the amphitheater in late August. The noise recordings compared sounds when there was no concert to when there was a live concert playing, which found the venue was also compliant.

The graphs by Venu showed there was no significant increase at remote sites or correlation between high noise levels at the venue. Venu said that according to measurements, sound levels were consistent with ambient noise levels such as traffic.

City leaders and the owners of Ford Amphitheater met on Aug. 28 to discuss community feedback and agreed that changes would be made to keep a harmonious coexistence with surrounding neighbors.

Some changes include an agreement on no fireworks with the exception of Independence Day, increasing the depth of the existing sound wall, enhancing sound containment, and adding more physical mitigation for sound containment.

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