New name announced for amphitheater in Bonner Springs

The Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, formerly the Sandstone Amphitheater, is getting a new name this season.

The Azura Amphitheater will be the new name for the outdoor concert venue at 633 N. 130th St. in Bonner Springs, Kansas, according to a spokesman.

The amphitheater’s website now is AzuraAmp.com.

New West Presentations Inc. will continue to be the managing organization of the amphitheater, according to the announcement.

“We are thrilled to be the naming sponsor of this iconic Kansas outdoor music venue. The Azura Amphitheater partnership provides a multitude of opportunities that include unique benefits for Azura accountholders, exciting potential for Azura events, future growth and substantial economic benefits for the community. This partnership allows Azura Credit Union to reinforce our commitment to the Northeast Kansas community and support an entertainment venue we are all excited to see open again,” said Allyson Shove-Chard, vice president of marketing at Azura Credit Union, in a news release.

The amphitheater opened in 1984. Through the years, the area around 130th and State Avenue has grown, and now it is close to more entertainment, sports and dining at The Legends Outlets and Village West.

Some of the past names of the amphitheater in Bonner Springs have been Sandstone, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone, Cricket Wireless Amphitheater and Providence Medical Center Amphitheater.

“We are proud to have Azura Credit Union as naming rights partner for the amphitheater. Azura Amphitheater is very appropriate for us since Azura means ‘blue sky.’ Azura and their staff have been wonderful to work with and we are excited to have a long and creative partnership with them for years to come. I’m also thankful to our former naming rights partner, Providence Medical Center, and the great partnership we shared with them. Providence is a community-minded hospital that is a great asset to the amphitheater and to Wyandotte County. We are looking forward to seeing you all this summer at Azura Amphitheater,” said Chris Fritz, president of New West Presentations, in the news release.

Naming rights sponsor Azura Credit Union is the third largest Kansas credit union and has served northeast Kansas for more than 80 years. It started in 1939 as the Topeka Teachers Credit Union.

According to a spokesman, the amphitheater can hold up to 18,000 visitors. The amphitheater works closely with local government officials to open safely by lowering attendance maximums and taking safety precautions, according to the announcement.

Upcoming shows at Azura Amphitheater include June 25, Styx and Collective Soul; July 17, for King and Country with Company, A Summer Tour; Aug. 3, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; Aug. 21, Flyover; Aug. 28, Throwback Throwdown; Sept. 2, Yallapalooza; Oct. 1, The Avett Brothers; and Oct. 3, Machine Gun Kelly.

Additional shows are expected to be announced later on www.AzuraAmp.com.