By Zach Collier
Since it opened in 2003, West Valley City’s premier outdoor venue has been called the USANA Amphitheatre. The Beach Boys were the venue’s first concert nearly 21 years ago. It’s been a wild ride since then, with the venue bringing a steady stream of huge national acts to the Rocky Mountains, including Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, and AJR (where some hometown magic happened recently).
The venue was originally named after USANA Health Sciences, a supplement company whose headquarters are in Salt Lake City. Live Nation purchased the venue after acquiring United Concerts (the venue’s former owner) in 2017.
Utah First Credit Union is now the title sponsor, replacing USANA. Going forward, it will operate as Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Looks like they decided to keep the British spelling of Amphitheatre, even though a massive name change was a golden opportunity to correct it, but alas. It’s keepin’ Utah peculiar, though, so kudos to Utah First Credit Union.
“I’m thrilled about this collaboration. Part of our mission at Utah First Credit Union is to be significant in the lives of our members and the broader community. The Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre is our way of showing up for the community in a big way to provide a place where people can come together to relax and build lasting memories,” said Darin B. Moody, CEO, Utah First Credit Union in a press release. “We’re looking to foster a sense of togetherness and contribute to the spirit that makes our community so special, and we’re proud to play a role in creating a space for improvement, connection, and enjoyment of the moments that matter most.”
“With a legacy spanning more than 20 years, this venue continues to be a vital hub for live music fans in Utah,” said Andy Peikon, Live Nation’s Senior Vice President and Head of Venue Sales. “Music brings people together, and this partnership with Utah First will allow us to deepen our roots within the community, promising to bring local music fans more live music experiences they’ll never forget.”
While Peikon’s sentiments are encouraging, it is important for readers to note that Live Nation has been facing ongoing public scrutiny and congressional oversight due to anti-trust lawsuits and accusations of monopoly by artists and consumers. Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2009, and has been blasted repeatedly for price gouging operations – which came to a head during the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour debacle last year.
You can follow the venue on all social platforms at @UtahFirstAMP. You can watch Clyde Lawrence of the band Lawrence testify against Ticketmaster in congress below.