2020 season begins with fitness events
Nothing says summer in Colorado like attending an event at Red Rocks Amphitheater. But in the midst of a global pandemic, fans have had to let dreams of summer on the Rocks go.
On Tuesday, Red Rocks kindled some hope, though, announcing that it would bring back fitness events in July. Spokesman Brian Kitts said while there are no plans yet for the return of full concerts, his team hopes to expand ways people can experience Red Rocks, from fitness activities and sunset hikes to the possibility of smaller concerts later in the summer.
The venue also launched a new website and app with free, original videos, offering new ways to connect with the beloved park during the pandemic.
“Like everybody else in the entertainment business, we’re doing everything we can to provide access,” Kitts said Tuesday. “Shutting down an entire summer would break all of our hearts. For fans who want to experience just a little bit of Red Rocks, we’re trying really hard to let that happen.”
The venue has hosted Yoga on the Rocks for a decade, and will increase the number of fitness events for the 2020 season. Starting on July 10, yoga classes will be offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with multiple sessions per day. A new event, the Quarantine 15 Fitness Challenge, will be held every Saturday at 10 a.m. Plus, the SnowShape Winter Fitness Series will return in September ahead of the ski season.
Red Rocks will offer more classes than it has in past seasons, aiming to provide opportunities for as many people as possible. Usually, the venue
holds 2,000, but with coronavirus restrictions, it will only be able to accommodate 175 people at a time, Kitts said, and he anticipates that events will sell out.
To adhere to social distancing, participants will set up in alternating rows at place-markers. People must wear masks to enter the venue but can remove them once they get settled at a spot.
Digitally, Red Rocks has launched a new website and mobile app, according to a press release. Kitts said the team had been looking to do online content even before the coronavirus, and now fans can experience a different side of Red Rocks concerts, from performances to interviews with bands.
The venue will produce a new series called “Trail Mix,” featuring acoustic performances filmed on the park’s trails, from artists including AJR, Big Wild and Caroline Rose.
“Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and other session content creators, Trail Mix and our additional Red Rocks original content is a love letter to our fans and the venue,” Josh Lenz, marketing and communications manager, said in the press release.
Kitts emphasized this is the first step for the 2020 season.
So for now, fitness events are “a really unique way to experience Red Rocks first thing in the morning,” Kitts said. “It’s as beautiful as it gets.”