Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is a 20,000-capacity outdoor concert venue in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The venue hosted Farm Aid 2026 on September 26, 2026, bringing Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and other performers to the Virginia Beach stage. The next currently scheduled major concert is Five Finger Death Punch on October 17, 2026.
Located at 3550 Cellar Door Way, the amphitheater has been part of Virginia Beach’s live entertainment scene since opening in 1996. It features covered reserved seating and a large lawn area designed for major concerts and festivals.
The venue has also gone through several names over the years. It operated as GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Virginia Beach and Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach before adopting its current name in 2016.
Key Points Summary
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║ – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is located at 3550 Cellar Door Way in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ║
║ – The outdoor venue opened in 1996 and has a capacity of about 20,000 people. ║
║ – The facility includes reserved covered seating and a large general-admission lawn area. ║
║ – Farm Aid 2026 took place at the venue on September 26, featuring a major lineup of artists. ║
║ – Five Finger Death Punch, Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire are scheduled for October 17, 2026. ║
║ – General parking is included with tickets for events, while preferred, reserved and VIP parking options are available. ║
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What Is Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater?
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is a large outdoor entertainment venue in Virginia Beach.
The facility primarily hosts concerts, music festivals and other major live performances.
Its outdoor design combines traditional reserved seating with a large lawn section.
The venue can accommodate approximately 20,000 guests, making it one of the larger concert facilities in the Virginia Beach area.
Live Nation manages the day-to-day operation of the venue under a long-term facility arrangement.
The amphitheater occupies roughly 97 acres of land and includes a stage, covered seating, lawn space and concession areas.
Its large footprint allows the venue to host major touring productions that require substantial space for audiences, staging and event operations.
Where Is Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Located?
The amphitheater is located at:
3550 Cellar Door Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
The venue sits in Virginia Beach’s Princess Anne area, away from the city’s main Oceanfront resort district.
Its location gives concertgoers access to the wider Hampton Roads region, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and surrounding communities.
The facility is designed primarily for visitors arriving by car.
Because large concerts can attract thousands of people at the same time, traffic around the venue can become heavy before and after shows.
Venue officials recommend arriving early and considering carpooling when possible.
Local law enforcement and venue personnel manage traffic around major events.
How Many People Can Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Hold?
The venue has a stated capacity of approximately 20,000 people.
Its seating arrangement includes about 7,500 reserved seats and approximately 12,500 general-admission lawn positions.
This layout gives the amphitheater flexibility when hosting different types of concerts.
Reserved seating provides fixed locations closer to the stage.
The lawn provides a more open concert environment behind the reserved seating area.
The combination also allows promoters to configure the venue according to the requirements of individual tours and events.
Because capacity can depend on the event setup, the number of tickets available for a particular show may differ from the venue’s overall capacity.
When Did the Virginia Beach Amphitheater Open?
The amphitheater opened in 1996.
Bruce Hornsby performed at the venue’s opening in May 1996.
At the time, the facility had the same basic concept it retains today: a large covered seating area combined with a sizable lawn.
The venue quickly became part of Virginia Beach’s summer concert calendar.
Its outdoor format works particularly well for touring artists who perform during the warmer months.
Over the years, the facility has hosted performers from numerous musical genres.
Country, rock, pop, hip-hop and other styles have all appeared on its event calendar.
What Was the Amphitheater Called Before?
The venue has used several names since opening.
Its naming history includes:
| Years | Venue name |
|---|---|
| 1996–2005 | GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater |
| 2005–2010 | Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Virginia Beach |
| 2010–2011 | Virginia Beach Amphitheater |
| 2011–2015 | Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach |
| 2016–present | Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach |
The changes reflected different naming-rights agreements over the years.
Many longtime Virginia Beach concertgoers may still recognize the facility by one of its previous names.
The current Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater name was announced in 2016.
The venue continues to use the full name, although visitors often shorten it to the Virginia Beach amphitheater.
What Is the Latest 2026 Event at the Venue?
The most recent major event was Farm Aid 2026 on September 26, 2026.
Farm Aid brought an all-day music and food festival to Virginia Beach.
The event featured performances from major artists, including Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds.
The lineup also included Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs and several other performers.
Farm Aid also featured its HOMEGROWN Village and agricultural programming.
The festival marked the fourth time Farm Aid has held its annual event in Virginia.
Previous Virginia Farm Aid festivals took place in 1999, 2000 and 2014 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow.
The 2026 festival brought the event to Virginia Beach for the first time.
Who Performed at Farm Aid 2026?
Farm Aid 2026 featured a broad lineup covering multiple generations and styles of music.
The main performers included:
- Willie Nelson & Family
- Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts
- John Mellencamp
- Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
- Margo Price
- Nathaniel Rateliff
- Turnpike Troubadours
- Lukas Nelson
- Ty Myers
- Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs
- Jesse Welles
- Sierra Ferrell
- Mon Rovîa
- I’m With Her
- Amythyst Kiah
- Lily Meola
- Chris Pierce
Wisdom Indian Dancers were also part of the festival programming.
Farm Aid uses its annual event to raise support for family farmers and promote a food system centered on family farms.
The 2026 festival therefore combined live music with food and agricultural experiences.
What Is the Next Concert at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater?
The next major concert currently listed at the venue is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Five Finger Death Punch will headline the event.
Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire are also scheduled to perform.
The concert is listed for a 6:45 p.m. start.
The event follows the September 26 Farm Aid festival and marks another major touring production at the Virginia Beach venue.
Five Finger Death Punch is continuing its tour during October, with the Virginia Beach performance forming part of the band’s U.S. schedule.
Is There a 2027 Concert Already Scheduled?
Yes.
Stick Figure is scheduled to perform at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater on June 26, 2027.
The concert is part of the band’s Enjoy the Ride Tour.
The scheduled start time is 6:30 p.m.
Live Nation currently lists the Virginia Beach date as part of Stick Figure’s 2027 touring schedule.
The announcement gives the venue at least one confirmed major event for the 2027 summer concert season.
Additional events can be added as promoters announce future tours.
What Are the Parking Options?
Parking is an important consideration for anyone attending a major event at the amphitheater.
General parking is included in the ticket price for the venue’s events.
The general lots can be accessed from Concert Drive or Dam Neck Road.
Visitors who want closer parking can purchase preferred parking when it is available.
Reserved vehicle parking is also offered for some events.
These spaces provide a designated parking location closer to the entrance.
VIP parking is available for eligible events and requires the appropriate parking pass.
Oversized vehicle parking is available for vehicles such as RVs, buses, limousines and other large vehicles.
Availability and pricing can vary by event.
When Do the Parking Lots Open?
Parking lots generally open one hour before the scheduled gate time.
The exact schedule can change depending on the event.
The venue recommends checking the specific event information before traveling.
Gate times generally begin about 60 to 90 minutes before showtime.
Large festivals can follow different schedules because they often begin earlier than standard concerts.
Farm Aid, for example, operated as an all-day festival rather than a typical evening concert.
Visitors should therefore use the event-specific schedule rather than assuming every concert follows the same opening time.
Is Parking Free at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater?
General parking is included with the price of a standard event ticket.
However, premium parking options can cost extra.
Preferred parking, reserved parking and VIP parking are separate options when offered.
Oversized vehicles can also face an additional parking charge.
The venue provides several parking choices because the property needs to accommodate large crowds and different types of vehicles.
Guests looking for the simplest option can use general parking.
Those who prioritize proximity to the entrance can check whether preferred or reserved parking is available for their event.
Can You Tailgate at the Venue?
No.
Tailgating is not permitted at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater.
Visitors should not plan to use the parking areas for pre-concert tailgate gatherings.
The venue also does not offer overnight parking or camping.
Guests attending an event should plan to arrive within the designated parking and gate-opening period.
These policies can help keep traffic moving around the property before and after major shows.
What Should You Know Before Entering the Venue?
The amphitheater operates with several standard event-entry policies.
Guests should expect security screening before entering.
Metal detectors are used, and bags can be checked.
The venue also operates as a cash-free facility.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at points of sale.
Visitors who arrive with cash can use an on-site service to exchange it for a payment card without a service fee.
Tickets are generally mobile-entry tickets.
Guests should download their tickets to their phones before arriving.
Having the ticket ready can make the entry process easier, especially when large crowds arrive close to showtime.
What Is the Bag Policy?
The venue has restrictions on what guests can bring inside.
Small purses and clutches are permitted when they comply with the venue’s requirements.
The venue’s FAQ currently lists a maximum size of 6 inches by 9 inches for small purses or clutches.
Guests should check the event-specific rules before leaving for a concert because individual productions can have additional requirements.
Bringing only essential items can also make the security process faster.
Visitors should avoid arriving with prohibited items because security staff may require them to return those items to their vehicles.
Does the Venue Have Accessible Seating?
Yes.
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater provides accessible seating and other accessibility services.
Accessible seating is available across different price ranges.
Guests can purchase ADA tickets through the venue’s ticketing system when available.
The facility also has accessible entrances and restrooms.
Accessible parking is available in designated areas.
Guests using accessible parking need a qualifying state-issued plate or placard.
Accessible parking is available in lots A and B and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests who need accessibility assistance should review the venue’s current policies before attending.
What Food and Drinks Are Available?
The amphitheater has food and beverage concessions throughout the property.
Available options include familiar concert foods such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos and pretzels.
Popcorn, candy and fountain drinks are also available.
The venue offers water and other beverages.
Alcoholic beverages are available for eligible guests.
The concession areas are located around the venue, including the Lake Plaza and Forest Plaza areas.
Farm Aid events can feature additional food programming beyond a typical concert because the festival emphasizes family-farm food and agricultural experiences.
Does the Amphitheater Have Lawn Seating?
Yes.
The venue includes a large general-admission lawn area behind the reserved seating section.
The lawn provides a different concert experience from the fixed seating area.
Guests with lawn tickets can sit or stand in the designated lawn section.
The venue also offers lawn chair rentals for applicable events.
Blankets are permitted under the venue’s stated policies, although event-specific restrictions can apply.
Lawn conditions can also vary with weather, so guests should prepare for an outdoor environment.
What Happens If It Rains?
The amphitheater is an outdoor venue, so weather can affect the concert experience.
The venue generally operates events in rain or shine.
A show may only be interrupted or changed if weather conditions create a serious safety concern.
Visitors should check the venue’s social media channels and event information for last-minute weather-related announcements.
Guests should also remember that covered seating does not mean the entire venue is enclosed.
The lawn remains an outdoor area.
Appropriate clothing and footwear can make a significant difference during summer and early-fall concerts.
Does Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Have Camping?
No.
The venue does not provide camping or overnight parking.
Guests traveling from outside Virginia Beach need to arrange separate accommodations.
The facility is designed for concerts and festivals rather than overnight stays.
Visitors should also avoid leaving vehicles at the property after an event unless the specific event provides different instructions.
This is particularly relevant for visitors attending large festivals that finish late in the evening.
What Is the Venue’s Relationship With Live Nation?
Live Nation manages the day-to-day operation of the amphitheater.
The Virginia Beach Development Authority has a long-term arrangement involving the property, while Live Nation operates the facility under a lease.
The current facility lease runs through December 31, 2031.
This arrangement places the venue within Live Nation’s broader network of major concert facilities across the United States.
As a result, many national touring acts appearing at Live Nation venues can also be booked at the Virginia Beach amphitheater.
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Event Timeline
The venue’s history can be summarized through several major milestones:
- 1996: The Virginia Beach amphitheater opened.
- 1996–2005: It operated as GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater.
- 2005–2010: It became Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Virginia Beach.
- 2010–2011: It used the Virginia Beach Amphitheater name.
- 2011–2015: It operated as Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach.
- 2016: The Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater name was introduced.
- September 26, 2026: Farm Aid 2026 took place at the venue.
- October 17, 2026: Five Finger Death Punch, Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire are scheduled.
- June 26, 2027: Stick Figure is scheduled to perform.
The timeline reflects how the venue has evolved while retaining its role as a major outdoor concert destination.
Why the Venue Remains Important to Virginia Beach
The amphitheater provides Virginia Beach with a large-scale outdoor space for national touring artists.
Its 20,000-person capacity allows it to host concerts that require significantly more room than smaller indoor venues.
The outdoor format also makes it particularly suited to summer and early-fall tours.
Events such as Farm Aid bring visitors from beyond Virginia Beach and connect the venue with broader cultural and community programming.
The facility also contributes to the region’s live entertainment calendar.
For Hampton Roads residents, the venue offers access to national tours without requiring a trip to another major metropolitan area.
What Is the Current Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Schedule?
As of September 27, 2026, the latest major event has already taken place.
Farm Aid 2026 was held on September 26.
The next listed major concert is:
October 17, 2026 — Five Finger Death Punch with Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire
The venue also has a confirmed 2027 date:
June 26, 2027 — Stick Figure: Enjoy the Ride Tour
Event schedules can change as new tours are announced or existing dates are adjusted.
Visitors should confirm the date, time, ticket availability and entry requirements for their specific event before traveling.
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater: Essential Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach |
| Address | 3550 Cellar Door Way, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 |
| Type | Outdoor amphitheater |
| Opened | 1996 |
| Capacity | Approximately 20,000 |
| Reserved seating | Approximately 7,500 |
| Lawn capacity | Approximately 12,500 |
| Operator | Live Nation |
| Current name since | 2016 |
| Parking | General parking included with event tickets |
| Premium parking | Preferred, reserved and VIP options |
| Tailgating | Not permitted |
| Camping | Not available |
| Payment | Cash-free venue |
| Latest major event | Farm Aid 2026, September 26, 2026 |
| Next listed concert | Five Finger Death Punch, October 17, 2026 |
| Confirmed 2027 event | Stick Figure, June 26, 2027 |
What to Know Before Visiting Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater remains one of Virginia Beach’s largest outdoor concert venues.
The 20,000-capacity facility has operated since 1996 and has hosted major touring acts across multiple music genres.
Its current 2026 schedule recently included Farm Aid, which brought a major collection of artists to Virginia Beach on September 26.
The next listed concert is Five Finger Death Punch with Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire on October 17.
For visitors, planning ahead matters. General parking comes with event tickets, while premium parking options can provide closer access. The venue is cash-free, uses mobile entry and prohibits tailgating and overnight camping.
Planning a concert at the Virginia Beach amphitheater? Share your favorite show memories in the comments and check back for the latest confirmed event updates.