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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, an iconic Pelham landmark that has been a musical hub in Shelby County for decades, is beginning to be demolished to make way for a new space.

The site’s demolition was announced in a Facebook post from the city of Pelham on Tuesday, May 6.

“Oak Mountain Amphitheatre has been the soundtrack to so many unforgettable nights in Pelham—iconic performances, first concerts and memories that will last a lifetime,” the post read. “Today, demolition is well underway, and we’re not just looking back—we’re looking forward with excitement and anticipation. This moment marks the start of something incredible for our city. The site that once echoed with music will soon be reimagined into a vibrant destination that reflects Pelham’s energy, growth and future.”

Live Nation is demolishing the amphitheatre as part of their agreement with Birmingham and Jefferson County. Pelham is purchasing the property for redevelopment, and the demolition is part of the terms of the purchase agreement.

The demolition comes after the city of Pelham approved the purchase of the 43-acre property from Live Nation at a Pelham City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 17. Pelham is paying $5.3 million for the entire property, which includes Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, the parking lot, adjoining property along the creek in the area and frontage property on state Route 119.

The closure of Oak Mountain Amphitheatre was formally announced at a press conference on Nov. 12, 2024. The Shelby County Reporter first reported on the closure in September 2024. After closing the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, Live Nation has shifted its focus to the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater venue under construction in Birmingham, which is set to open in the summer of 2025.

In a press conference conducted on Tuesday, Feb. 18, Pelham City Manager Gretchen DiFante shared that the amphitheatre being torn down was part of the initial agreement with Live Nation, and offered her vision for the new space.

“I think that having a venue that people come to only in the summertime versus being able to expand an entertainment district where people can come 12 months out of the year…is very strong economically,” DiFante said.

DiFante added at the press conference that Live Nation initially had plans to turn the area into a residential district, and that the city is not interested in constructing another amphitheatre.

“We’re interested in building restaurants and spaces together and other types of entertainment and retail,” DiFante said.

For more information on the city of Pelham, visit Pelhamalabama.gov.