AXS Joins AVA Presents to Power the Next Chapter of Colorado Springs’ Historic CityAud

Partnership will support the historic Colorado Springs venue as it reopens as a modern 4,000+ capacity live entertainment destination

LOS ANGELES & COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AXS, a trusted leader in ticketing technology, and AVA Presents today announced a new partnership naming AXS the official ticketing partner for CityAud, the historic Colorado Springs City Auditorium, currently undergoing a major redevelopment ahead of its reopening in early 2027.

The partnership brings AXS’s ticketing technology and fan-facing platform to one of Colorado’s most storied entertainment venues as it begins a new chapter. Originally opened in 1923, the City Auditorium has welcomed generations of artists and audiences, with performers including Jimi Hendrix, Willie Nelson, Van Halen, Tina Turner, Ozzy Osbourne, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Def Leppard and ZZ Top taking its stage over the past century.

Now, under the direction of veteran Colorado promoter and venue developer Jesse Morreale and AVA Presents, the landmark is being transformed into a modern live entertainment destination designed to serve Colorado Springs and the broader Front Range.

For Morreale, who grew up in Colorado Springs and began booking shows in the city early in his career, the project represents both a return to his roots and an investment in the region’s growing live entertainment landscape.

“CityAud has always been more than a building — it has been a place where Colorado Springs comes together around live music and culture,” said Jesse Morreale, Founder and Principal of AVA Presents. “We’re building its next chapter to meet the needs of great artists, deliver an exceptional experience for fans, and restore its place as an essential stop for live entertainment in Colorado. AXS understands venues, artists and fans, and they are exactly the kind of partner we want alongside us as we bring CityAud back to life, and better than ever.”

The redevelopment centers on a reengineered 4,000+ capacity Auditorium Arena, featuring a rebuilt 68-by-46-foot main stage, modernized production infrastructure, upgraded loading and technical systems, and four levels of new dressing rooms, artist lounges and production facilities. The building will also include a separate 230-seat Auditorium Theater, allowing CityAud to host programming ranging from national touring concerts and comedy to festivals and community events.

“CityAud has an extraordinary history, and what Jesse and his team are creating is about honoring that history while building a venue for the next generation of artists and fans,” said Dean DeWulf, Head of North American Venues, AXS. “Colorado is an incredibly important live entertainment market, and we’re excited to partner with AVA Presents to give CityAud the ticketing technology and tools to support its growth from day one.”

Through AXS, CityAud will have access to an integrated suite of ticketing technology designed to support the venue from discovery through event entry, including mobile ticketing, fan account management, data and marketing capabilities, and AXS Official Resale.

The partnership also expands AXS’s presence across Colorado, a market with a deep live music culture and an increasingly important role in the national touring landscape.

CityAud is scheduled to open in early 2027, with its first wave of concerts, festivals and community programming expected to be announced this fall.

About CityAud / AVA Presents

Originally opened in 1923, the historic Colorado Springs City Auditorium is being reimagined as CityAud, a modern live entertainment and cultural destination in downtown Colorado Springs. Led by AVA Presents, the redevelopment combines historic preservation with modern production capabilities, artist amenities and flexible event spaces, including a 4,000+ capacity Auditorium Arena and 230-seat Auditorium Theater.

AVA — the Alternative Venue Alliance — was formed in 1990 and partners with non-traditional venue owners to renovate, restore, operate and manage performance spaces while booking and developing artists. Led by veteran promoter and venue developer Jesse Morreale, the company has booked or operated major Colorado venues including the Ogden and Bluebird theaters, the Paramount Theatre, Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

About AXS

AXS is a trusted leader in advanced ticketing and live event technology, operating across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, providing access to some of the world’s most iconic venues, sports teams, festivals, and global tours. With customized ticketing solutions, innovative technology, and dedicated customer service, AXS, owned by AEG, partners with over 1,600 of the most recognized brands in sports and entertainment — including the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, First Avenue Theater, The O2 Arena, BNP Paribas Open, WM Phoenix Open, and Stagecoach Country Music Festival. AXS’s primary and secondary marketplaces and its proprietary AXS Mobile ID technology deliver the easiest and most secure way for fans to buy, sell, and manage tickets.

About Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States due to strong population and economic growth, particularly for millennials and tech workers. It was named the fastest-growing city for millennials in a 2018 Brookings Institute report and ranked #5 in the Milken Institute's 2024 "Best Performing Cities" report.

Colorado Springs (metro) is the second-most populous city and most extensive city in the state of Colorado, and the 40th-most-populous city in the United States.

Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County, which is home to over 750,000 people. It has grown by 14% over the last 10 years, over twice as fast as the national average of 6%.

In sum, El Paso County is the most populous county in Colorado, with a larger population than Denver County, according to the 2020 census, and continues to experience growth while Denver continues to contract.