Oklahoma City Recon

Since this is Phish's first time at the Zoo Amphitheater, as well as their first time in Oklahoma, I thought we could take a look at some recon photos, talk about the unique history of this venue, and put up some links for folks not familiar with the area.

The venue was built in 1936, and has hosted such names as Styx, the Alman Bros. Band, Snoop (back when he was) Dogg, Robert Plant and Allison Kraus, BB King, Judas Priest and Willie Nelson...among others. (Actually Styx seems to play there quite a lot...but, anyway...) The very first performance held there was "The Circus of 21 Death-Defying Acts".

The amphitheater was built during the depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The structure had been used on and off over the years. The building fell out of use in the 60's. However, after some renovations in the 70's it began a return to use with a regular summer concert schedule beginning in 2004. Able to hold up to 10,000, the entire seating area is open air and was constructed using native sandstone.

Thanks to our friend Workman, we have a few photos of the venue itself and the surrounding grounds.

For more info about the venue, seating, or the Zoo itself, check out the links below. If you are a local, be sure to add any recommendations you may have in the comments section below.

Zoo Amphitheater Website

Venue Seating

The Oklahoma Zoo

360 degree view of the venue

Looking for something to do during the day? Find out more about Cowboys at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Or maybe check out one of the many other things to do in Bricktown, like the Botanical Gardens, Water Taxi, or....wait...there's a Banjo museum? 

If you happen to be in town the day before the show and like baseball, the AAA Oklahoma City Redhawks have a 7:05pm game against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Go Redhawks.