JW Roth still remembers the feeling – camping out for Stones tickets in the pouring rain, scaling fences to get closer to the stage. Music wasn’t just a pastime; it was a lifeline. For Roth, live music was about more than the lyrics or the beat – it was about connection, belonging, and those fleeting moments of magic that stay with you long after the encore.

That passion is what sparked the creation of Venu Holding Corporation (VENU). Headquartered in Colorado Springs, VENU was built on a simple but powerful idea: to build world-class live music destinations that put the fan experience first. Roth wasn’t interested in building just another concert venue – he wanted to redefine how people experience live music altogether.

A Vision Rooted in Experience

Roth’s journey began not as a businessman, but as a fan.

“I was the kid in the rain, waiting for hours to see my favorite artist,” he recalls. “That feeling of pure adrenaline when the lights go down – that’s what we want to recreate at VENU.”

J.W. Roth Founder, Chairman, and CEO of VENU

With that vision, VENU has set out to change the face of live entertainment by building luxury, multi-season amphitheaters in underserved markets across the United States. These aren’t just music venues – they’re entertainment destinations designed to immerse fans in every moment. Ranging from 9,500 to 20,000 in capacity, VENU’s venues feature custom-built Luxe FireSuites with unmatched views, premium Owners and Aikman Clubs (built in partnership with NFL Hall Of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Beer, Troy Aikman), and elevated food and beverage experiences.

“It’s about creating those unforgettable moments,” Roth says. “The kind where you’re still talking about it years later.”

Building More Than Venues – Building Communities

But VENU’s impact goes far beyond the stage. Roth’s vision includes creating a ripple effect in the communities where VENU builds its venues. Through public-private partnerships, the company collaborates with local governments to secure financial incentives and reduce upfront costs – allowing for sustainable growth without heavy debt burdens.

“We’re a tide that lifts all boats,” Roth says. “These venues aren’t just entertainment hubs – they’re economic engines. We’re bringing in jobs, tourism dollars and long-term growth to communities that might otherwise be overlooked.”

In cities like Colorado Springs and Gainesville, Georgia, the economic boost is already visible. In Colorado alone, VENU is projected to generate an economic impact of at least $102 million annually – over US$1 billion in the next decade. New venues mean more local jobs, increased tourism and thriving small businesses. Pre-sale of naming rights, sponsorships and suite ownerships help fund construction and operations, keeping financial risk low while maximizing community benefit.

Tapping Into a Booming Market

The global live entertainment industry is on the rise, projected to reach US$79.7 billion by 2030 with a 16.1% compound annual growth rate. VENU is positioning itself at the center of that growth.

With successful venues in Colorado Springs and Gainesville, VENU is rapidly expanding into high-demand markets. Construction is already underway in Broken Arrow (Tulsa market), and Oklahoma City in Oklahoma; and El Paso and McKinney in Texas (Dallas market); with five more locations in the design and development phase.

“We’re building for the future,” Roth says. “The demand for live music isn’t going anywhere – it’s only getting stronger. We’re creating spaces where people don’t just see a show – they live it.”

For Roth, it all comes back to that kid standing in the rain, waiting for the music to start. With VENU, he’s making sure that next generation of music lovers has an even better view.