Situated between canyon walls on the east face of the Franklin Mountains, the 1,500-seat amphitheater opened on July 4, 1976, in commemoration of the U.S. bicentennial. With an open-air proscenium in native stone, the facility is ideally sited to partake of the rugged landscape that surrounds it. The spectacular setting is used to stage musicals, theatrical pieces, concerts, and civic events.