To the Editor:
Canadian County and the greater Mustang and Yukon area is on to something big – the Sunset Amphitheater at Mustang Creek Crossing.
We want to set the record straight and share what this means for us.
The Sunset Amphitheater is projected to bless the community with over $260 million per year and generate over $2.6 billion in economic impact over the first decade. It aims to bolster local businesses, enhance the Mustang School District, and support Canadian County through ad valorem tax revenue, sales tax revenue, and impact fees to support city infrastructure.
With the exploding growth of the Mustang and Yukon areas, the infusion of millions of dollars yearly will gift residents and businesses alike with better infrastructure and amenities. The Notes Live venues, being sited across the state and nation, have been welcomed with open arms because the communities realize the prosperity and cultural richness that it will provide with such a landmark destination.
As we aim to better our community, we must listen to neighbors’ concerns. Our area, the western gateway to Oklahoma City via Canadian County, has been neglected. Strong representation is needed to get city attention and improve local services. Picture our area as a gem, sought after nationwide. The futures of Mustang and Yukon are on the line. Ignoring this valuable venue would be a mistake, signaling a lack of vision. Let’s unite to ensure a bright future for all.
As the developers of the Mustang Creek Crossing, we are striving to create a district within the 280-acre development that adds to the quality of life. With walking trails and park-like surroundings, the goal is to bring healthy multi-generational venues which give citizens a wonderful and beautiful “district” to enjoy. We do not wish to build more multi-family apartments or cluster dwellings and have turned many away. These do not add value or prosperity but add further burden to schools and infrastructure. We wish to add value, improve schools, add jobs, and increase the quality of offerings so residents can enjoy their own community and surroundings.
There are important features to consider as the venue is being discussed. Noise concerns have been raised by some who live nearby. The Sunset Amphitheater is designed with the most advanced sound mitigation techniques and operational strategies to minimize noise pollution. The Oklahoma City Planning Commission sought to satisfy the noise abatement restrictions by ensuring for its citizens a state-of-the-art system that includes cutting edge sound abatement clusters which limit the height and any spread of sound production.
With the stage positioned to the south of the amphitheater bowl and the bowl facing north to the I-40 corridor, away from residential areas, noise spillage will be minimized and within city ordinance. The stage itself is located approximately 2,000 feet from any residential neighborhood with expansive parking and future office and amenity structures to be added along Sara Road to the east of the Sunset Amphitheater which will add additional buffer.
This venue has also agreed to add a “ceiling” to the venue for added containment. Monthly noise audits will be provided to the Oklahoma City Planning Commission to exemplify the commitment to regulation adherence. This will ensure the Sunset will enrich the area without disrupting it.
Additionally, the A-list performances will occur only part of the year from spring through October. These shows will take place in the evenings and conclude by 11 p.m. to adhere to city requirements and the developers’ demands to have every business closed by midnight. They will take place primarily on Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday nights. During its down time, the venue will welcome cultural events, High School graduation services, and movie nights. School hours will not be impacted by the shows that will take place.
The Notes Live Sunset Amphitheater and our development has also offered to divert school drop off and pick up lines into the development to ease traffic along SW 15th and Sara Road also.
These streets are scheduled for widening to allow for better traffic flow as development grows. The planned creation of a tunnel within the development providing passage under the Turnpike overpass will allow for traffic flow to stay within the development and the roundabouts will also keep vehicles moving smoothly. Each roundabout will feature a life-sized Mustang sculpture for aesthetic beauty along with landscape and lighting for safety.
Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier planning and engineering firms, has laid groundwork for a well-thought-out strategy to address potential increase in traffic and parking demand that will stand the test of time. These measures are in place to integrate the amphitheater seamlessly into the community like it’s always been there, ensuring minimal disruptions and making sure everyone can come and go without a fuss. The goal – safety and ease for the citizens and visitors.
The Sunset Amphitheater will create quality jobs and many careers that will bring prosperity to the community as well. It will usher in an era of unprecedented economic and cultural prosperity for our community. The ancillary businesses and attractions provided by the Sunset Amphitheater as a new focal point ensure that foundations are being set for our community’s enduring prosperity.
Finally, and very importantly, the residents across the community will realize greatly improved property values, giving them a better quality of life. With the addition of the Amphitheater, the location will be more desirable to quality establishments, making the area more appealing and drawing more well-conceived properties. Again, this will increase the valuation of surrounding properties further. The citizens stand to realize a great improvement to their own land and property.
And here’s what makes it hit home: Sarah Carnes, a neighbor from Westbury South and a voice many of us know and respect, puts it plainly: “The Sunset Amphitheater is more than concerts. It’s movie nights for our families, laughs at comedy shows, and pride at local ballet performances. It’s about our schools benefiting from increased tax revenues. It’s our community, united and strong.” Sarah’s perspective is a reminder of the project’s broad appeal – it’s not just a venue but a gathering place that strengthens the fabric of our community.
It is our sincere desire to see this project through to fruition and fulfill the mission to bring family friendly experience-based fun to Mustang and Yukon in a responsible way. We aspire to create a culturally rich, vibrant, and harmonious community that can enjoy shared moments and lasting fond memories for decades to come.
At this defining moment for Canadian County and the greater Mustang/Yukon area with the proposed Sunset Amphitheater, it’s crucial now more than ever to rally our collective voices in support of this transformative project. Misinformation and opposition threaten to overshadow the immense benefits and positive impact the amphitheater promises our community.
The Oklahoma City Council’s impending vote is a decision about the future we envision for our community. A future where economic growth and cultural vibrancy go hand in hand, where our schools and infrastructure see tangible benefits from increased revenue, and where our community comes together to celebrate, learn, and grow.
We cannot let misinformation steer the course of our future. It’s time to make your voice heard, to stand up for the prosperity, unity, and vibrancy that the Sunset Amphitheater embodies. Reach out to your Oklahoma City Council members, express your support, and ensure they understand the broad community backing the Sunset Amphitheater enjoys. Together, we can secure a legacy of enrichment and opportunity for Canadian County and the greater Mustang/Yukon community.
Let’s unite for our community’s future. Support the Sunset Amphitheater at Mustang Creek Crossing. Your voice matters, now more than ever.
I would love to hear from you at contact@carolhefnerok.com or (405) 993-3951.
Carol Hefner
Oklahoma City
