The Zoo Amphitheatre is better and more accessible than ever! If your last trip to the Zoo Amphitheatre involved muddy shoes, porta-potties and wondering which clump of grass was “your seat,” it’s time to give this historic venue another look. Built in 1926, the Zoo Amp has long been a staple of Oklahoma City’s live music scene, but thanks to massive upgrades that began in 2024 and continue into next season, it’s now cleaner, safer and more accessible than ever.
Quick Entry, Cute Shoes Welcome
Let’s start with the basics: getting in. Previously, there was one small, aging entrance that created a major bottleneck on show nights. When I saw Matchbox Twenty a few years ago, the line stretched nearly to the elephant exhibit. Now, with multiple new gates and dedicated entry points for Fast Pass holders and bag-free guests, the entry process is significantly faster. An ADA-accessible entrance has also been added, helping every guest start the night off smoothly.
And once you’re in? You’ll notice something immediately: paved paths. No more sloshing through mud or tripping over gravel with a drink in one hand and a snack in the other. (We’ve all been there.) Whether you’re rocking heels or pushing a stroller, the improved walkways make navigating the venue a breeze.
No More Porta-Potty Panic
A longtime gripe of concertgoers is now just a memory: the dreaded porta-potty. The Zoo Amp now has climate-controlled, fully lit restrooms throughout the venue. Whether you’re attending a show or just popping by with the family, the bathroom situation has gone from survival mode to downright pleasant.
More Accessible Than Ever
In the past, accessible seating was marked with nothing more than tape on the ground. Now, guests in the area are basically VIP. The accessible seating has been expanded into a reserved deck with a prime, unencumbered view of the stage. The venue has made real strides in accessibility, ensuring guests of all abilities can enjoy the show comfortably.
General seating has gotten an upgrade, too. The Zoo Amp still has that iconic party-on-the-lawn vibe for fans who love to bring blankets and mingle in musical bliss, but it now also offers box seats for 4 to 6 people in front of the ADA section, depending on the artist and show layout. A detailed seating map is always available, allowing guests to plan their night accordingly.
The Glampground: Come for the Show, Stay for the Vibes
One of the biggest glow-ups is the new “Glampground.” Picture turf, twinkling string lights, an Airstream bar, aesthetic seating, lawn games. It’s the Instagram-friendly, chill-out zone you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re waiting for the main act or just soaking in the atmosphere, this new space makes the venue feel more luxurious – or at least something to brag about to your friends in GA.
Food Truck Alley & Family Fun
Foodies, rejoice! The Zoo Amp has created a dedicated food truck alley with a rotating lineup of local vendors. Forget overpriced hot dogs and stale nachos. Now you can pair your live music with legit street tacos, gourmet grilled cheese or a frozen lemonade your kid will spill (but enjoy thoroughly first).
Speaking of kids: while not every show is geared toward families, the venue itself is now family-friendlier. Between paved walkways, clean restrooms and open lawn spaces, it’s never been easier to bring the whole crew. Artists with families will also find it more accommodating — there are now backstage areas for kids to hang out, plus amenities like a basketball hoop, pickleball court, laundry facilities, chill zones, and even private catering rooms.
Backstage Gets a Boost
The Zoo Amp team tells us the upgrades behind the scenes are impressing touring artists as much as the fans. “We want artists to feel like this is a place they want to be, not just another stop on the tour.” The formerly red-dirt-only backstage area has been completely transformed with real pavement, new green rooms and easier bus load-in.
The improvements are already paying off. With more flexibility in layout and artist accommodations, the Zoo Amp is attracting higher-tier talent and more diverse bookings. From indie darlings to legacy acts, you’ll start seeing lineups that make it well worth the drive from Tulsa, Texas and beyond.
A Win for Live Music in OKC
Behind the scenes, Gate 52, the venue operator that also manages several other stages across the U.S., has invested heavily in the renovation.
“Our goal is to create unforgettable live music experiences, both for the fans and the artists,” said Jenny Oppenheimer, VP of Marketing at Gate 52. “Oklahoma City deserves that.”
So whether you’re here for the show, the snacks or the vibes, the Zoo Amphitheatre is no longer just a place to see a concert. It’s an experience worth the babysitter, the drive, and the ticket. And thanks to these thoughtful updates, it’s never been more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Know Before You Go:
- Entry is faster with additional gates and Fast Pass/bag-free lanes
- Climate-controlled bathrooms = no more porta-potties
- Improved paths eliminate those muddy hikes
- Accessible seating decks offer clear views and easy entry
- Lawn or reserved? Seating maps vary by artist
- Food truck alley serves up local eats
- Glampground offers curated hangout space
- Top-tier performers are on the schedule
It’s a new era at the Zoo Amp – and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
