Gorge Amphitheatre Founders Plan Two New Venues Near George, WA

The Gorge Amphitheater in George Washington is one of the most iconic outdoor venues on the West Coast. In many ways, I believe it rivals Red Rocks in Colorado. I have certainly had my share of great musical experiences at the Gorge in George including hearing The Who, and my first experience going to a Phish concert. 

screen shot / https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/

Now the word is that there may be two new, smaller venues coming to the area. 

According to bizjournals.com,
‘Vince and Carol Bryan, founders of the Gorge Amphitheatre in central Washington, have hired Portland-based ZGF Architects to design The Grotto, a 1,200-seat indoor performance venue less than a mile south of the amphitheater. A 2,000-seat outdoor space called the Terraces is planned next door. 

A little history. 

In the late 1970’s, the Bryans purchased 100 acres of property near George in Grant County, developing the property over the years to what we now call the Gorge Amphitheater. Later, Cave B Winery and Vineyards were added along with a resort that is now named. Sagecliff Resort and Spa. 

screen shot / https://www.gorgeamphitheatre.com/

The Gorge Amphitheatre was sold by the Bryans to MCA Concerts in 1993, then Live Nation bought the site in 2006. 

Just a footnote here, Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band says that the Gorge Amphitheater is his favorite place to play, which is why he spends the three-day Labor Day weekend playing the Gorge every year. 

The plan. 

The idea is to take 6.5 acres of the remaining property and turn it into a cultural performance center that would include the 2 theaters. Eventually they hope to have a boutique hotel on site as well as a school. When completed, the entire facility would be owned by a nonprofit called The Hilltop founded by Vince and Carol Bryan. 

The plans are to break ground in January 2028 with the hopes of having it completed by June 2029. 

The cost of building the 32,000 square foot “Grotto” is currently estimated to cost about $35 million. The Bryans will be donating the land and assisting in fund raising Efforts. 

According to bizjournals.com,
‘On Aug. 22, The Hilltop is scheduled to host an inaugural fundraising event for the two venues called SOAR Festival 2026. Rechnitz said the Bryans chose to pursue a nonprofit ownership model to enable long-term community ownership of the facilities.’