If you’re trying to figure out how many people Ameris Bank Amphitheatre holds, or you saw “Verizon Amphitheatre” on an old ticket and wondered if it’s even the same place, you’re not alone — both questions come up constantly for this Alpharetta venue. The short version: it’s a roughly 12,000-capacity outdoor amphitheatre at Encore Park, and yes, it’s the same physical venue that has simply changed sponsor names three times since it opened.
Operated by Live Nation, the amphitheatre opened on May 10, 2008, with an inaugural performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and has since become one of metro Atlanta’s go-to stops for major touring artists, comedians, and themed symphony nights. This guide covers exactly how the capacity breaks down, the full naming history from Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park to today, the seating chart, and what to know before you go.
Quick Answer
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre holds about 12,000 people across reserved pavilion seating and an open lawn. It’s the same 45-acre Encore Park venue in Alpharetta, Georgia that opened in 2008 as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, was shortened to Verizon Amphitheatre in January 2017, and became Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in December 2018 — only the sponsor name has changed, not the building, the capacity, or the location.
How Many People Does Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Hold?
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre’s total capacity is about 12,000, split between a covered, reserved pavilion and an uncovered lawn. The pavilion holds the bulk of the reserved ticketing — it’s organized into Orchestra sections (rows A–Z, AA–BB) closest to the stage, followed by 100-level reserved sections and a small number of VIP box seats, all under a permanent roof that protects ticket holders from sun and rain.
Behind the pavilion, the lawn adds general-admission capacity on a grassy, gently inclined area. Lawn tickets are typically first-come, first-served for spot selection, though the venue also offers a reserved lawn option near the bottom of the hill with Adirondack chairs for guests who want a guaranteed spot without the pavilion price. Premium options like The Lounge add small amounts of upscale, climate-controlled seating with bar service for select shows. Because ticketed capacity varies slightly by show configuration (some events reduce lawn access for staging or production), 12,000 is the figure to use as the venue’s standard capacity.
From Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre: The Full Name History
The venue has carried three names since it opened, all tied to naming-rights sponsorship rather than any change to the amphitheatre itself. It debuted in May 2008 as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, the name most longtime Atlanta concertgoers still remember. In January 2017, that was shortened to simply Verizon Amphitheatre as the sponsorship deal was renewed under a streamlined name.
Verizon’s naming rights ran through 2018, at which point Ameris Bank — a regional bank headquartered in Georgia — stepped in and secured the rights, and the venue became Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in December 2018, the name it still carries today. So if you’re searching for “Verizon Amphitheatre” or “Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park seating,” you’re looking for the exact same 12,000-capacity venue at 2200 Encore Parkway in Alpharetta — the seating chart, layout, and location never changed, only the sign out front.
Seating Chart: Pavilion vs. Lawn
The pavilion is the covered, reserved-seat portion closest to the stage, best for guests who want assigned seats and shelter from weather. It’s split into Orchestra rows nearest the stage and 100-level sections further back, with sightlines that stay strong throughout.
The lawn sits behind and above the pavilion on an open, grassy slope. General-admission lawn tickets let you bring a blanket and stake out your own spot, while the reserved lawn section near the front of the lawn area comes with a chair already in place. Combined, the two seating types give Ameris Bank Amphitheatre a mix of formal, assigned seating and the relaxed, bring-your-own-blanket vibe that suburban amphitheatres are known for.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Parking & Gates
Tickets are sold through Live Nation and the venue’s own site, with will-call pickup available at the box office near the East Gate for orders that require ID verification. Prices vary widely by show and seating type (pavilion vs. general admission lawn vs. reserved lawn vs. premium), so there’s no single fixed price — check the show listing for current pricing.
General-admission parking usually comes included with tickets bought directly through Ticketmaster or Live Nation, which assign a parking pass for a specific lot with your order; resale tickets typically don’t include a pass, and upgraded Premier Parking is available for purchase if you want a closer, easier-entry spot. Lots typically open a couple of hours before showtime, though exact times shift by event. For the current event schedule, box office hours, parking maps, and bag policy, check the official Ameris Bank Amphitheatre website before you head out, since these details can change show to show.
The Concert Experience
Set within Encore Park’s wooded grounds, the amphitheatre’s programming spans mainstream touring musicians and comedians alongside themed symphony concerts from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the same ensemble that opened the venue in 2008. Because it sits in the northern Atlanta suburbs rather than downtown, it draws heavily from Alpharetta and the surrounding Fulton and Forsyth County communities, giving it a more suburban, family-friendly feel than Atlanta’s larger city-center venues.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre capacity and seating FAQs
How many people does Ameris Bank Amphitheatre hold?
About 12,000, combining reserved pavilion seating with general-admission and reserved lawn areas.
What did Ameris Bank Amphitheatre used to be called?
It opened in 2008 as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, was renamed Verizon Amphitheatre in January 2017, and became Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in December 2018 after Ameris Bank acquired the naming rights.
Is Verizon Amphitheatre the same place as Ameris Bank Amphitheatre?
Yes. It’s the same building and location at Encore Park in Alpharetta — only the sponsor name on the venue has changed over the years.
What’s the difference between pavilion and lawn seating?
The pavilion is covered, reserved seating closest to the stage. The lawn is an open grassy area behind the pavilion, available as general-admission (bring your own blanket) or reserved lawn with a chair provided.
When did Ameris Bank Amphitheatre open?
It opened on May 10, 2008, with an inaugural performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Where do I find current tickets, parking, and gate times?
Check the official Ameris Bank Amphitheatre website for the current event schedule, box office hours, and parking details, since these vary by show.
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