If you’ve lived in North Atlanta for more than a decade, you probably still call it "Verizon." It’s okay. Most of us do. But the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park technically hasn't existed under that name for quite a while. Things change fast in the world of corporate naming rights. Today, this massive 12,000-seat venue in Alpharetta is officially known as the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Names aside, the soul of the place—that stunning fan-shaped roof and the grassy hill where thousands of people lose their voices every summer—remains the gold standard for live music in Georgia.
It’s an interesting spot. Unlike the older, slightly more gritty Lakewood Amphitheatre south of the city, Encore Park was built with a specific kind of polish. It opened in 2008. The Eagles played the first-ever show there. Ever since, it’s been the primary summer home for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and basically every major touring act that doesn't quite need a football stadium.
Why the Design of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park Actually Matters
Most outdoor venues are just concrete shells. This one is different. The architect, Bill Johnson, wanted something that didn't look like a parking lot with a stage attached. You’ll notice the roof immediately. It’s made of this white, translucent fabric—PTFE-coated fiberglass, if you want to get technical—and it glows at night. It looks like a giant tent or a set of sails rising out of the trees.
It isn't just for looks. The acoustics here are surprisingly tight for an outdoor space. Usually, when you're at an amphitheater, the sound just drifts away into the wind, especially if you're stuck on the lawn. But at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, the canopy helps reflect sound back toward the audience. Even if you're sitting 200 feet back on a blanket, the snare drum still cracks, and the vocals don't sound like they're coming through a tin can.
The seating layout is also pretty smart. There are about 7,000 fixed seats under the roof. Then you have the lawn, which holds another 5,000. It’s smaller than Lakewood, which makes it feel a bit more intimate, even when it’s sold out. It’s tucked into a 45-acre forest, so you actually feel like you’re "at a park" rather than just trapped in a suburban development.
The Struggle of Getting In and Out
Let's be real for a second. Getting to a show in Alpharetta can be a nightmare if you don't plan it right. The venue is located off Westside Parkway. It's surrounded by corporate offices and high-end shopping, which means traffic on show nights is basically a gauntlet.
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Honestly, the parking situation is the one thing people complain about most. There are multiple lots (A, B, C, and so on), and some of them require a hike. If you're looking for a tip: Lot A is usually the premier spot, but Lot B is often easier to exit after the encore. If you try to wing it and arrive 20 minutes before the headliner starts, you’re going to spend three songs sitting in your car watching the glow of the stage from a distance.
Ride-sharing is a mixed bag here too. Uber and Lyft have a designated zone, but after a show lets out, the surge pricing is wild. You’re often better off hanging out by your car for 30 minutes, letting the first wave of traffic clear, and then heading out.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Lawn
There’s this weird elitism about the lawn versus the "pit" or the fixed seats. People think the lawn is just the "cheap seats." At the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, the lawn is actually where the best vibes are.
Here is the deal with the lawn:
- You need to bring a chair, but it has to be low-profile. If the seat is more than 9 inches off the ground, security will make you take it back to the car.
- Renting chairs is an option, but it’s a bit of a racket. Bring your own legless "beach" chair if you can.
- The sightlines are actually great. Because the lawn is graded quite steeply, you can usually see over the head of the guy in front of you.
One thing to keep in mind is the weather. Georgia summers are brutal. The sun sets behind the stage, which means if you’re on the lawn during an 8:00 PM start in July, you’re going to be staring directly into the sun for the first thirty minutes. Wear sunglasses. Wear sunscreen. You’ll thank me later.
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Food, Drinks, and the "Alpharetta Tax"
Don’t expect a bargain on concessions. It’s an amphitheater managed by Live Nation, so you already know the drill. A tallboy beer is going to cost you roughly what a six-pack costs at the grocery store.
However, the food quality has actually gone up lately. They’ve moved away from just soggy hot dogs to more local-style vendors. You can get decent tacos or BBQ. If you’re trying to save money, you are allowed to bring in one factory-sealed bottle of water (up to 1 gallon) and a clear plastic bag of food. This is a huge "pro move" that people forget. Pack some sandwiches, keep them in a clear gallon bag, and you’ve just saved yourself $50.
Is the VIP Experience Worth It?
If you have the money to burn, the club access is actually pretty nice. The "Woodruff Arts Center" legacy means there’s a level of service here that feels a bit more "country club" than "rock concert." You get a private entrance, which bypasses the main gate lines, and access to a private bar and air-conditioned bathrooms. In the middle of August in Georgia, an air-conditioned bathroom is basically a religious experience.
But if you’re there for the music? The sound is great everywhere. You don't need VIP to have a good time.
Sustainability and Local Impact
Since its inception, Encore Park has been more than just a place for rock shows. Because it was built in partnership with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), it has a bit of a "high culture" pedigree. The ASO still performs there regularly, and those shows are a totally different vibe—think wine, cheese boards, and a much quieter crowd.
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The venue has also made a push toward being more "green." They have a zero-waste initiative, aiming to divert as much trash as possible from landfills. You’ll see compost and recycling bins everywhere. It’s a nice touch for a place that sits right in the middle of a beautiful wooded area.
The Name Change: Why It's Ameris Bank Now
Corporate naming rights usually last about 10 years. Verizon had the initial run. Then, for a very brief and confusing window, it was "State Bank Amphitheatre." That didn't last long because Ameris Bank acquired State Bank.
So, by 2019, the signs all changed to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. It’s the same place. Same stage. Same sticky floors in the front row. But if you’re putting the address into your GPS, make sure you’re looking for Ameris, otherwise, you might end up looking at an old listing that hasn't been updated since 2015.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you're heading out to a show at the former Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, follow this checklist to avoid the common headaches:
- Check the Bag Policy: They are strict about the clear bag policy. If your purse isn't clear and is larger than a clutch, you'll be walking back to your car. Just use a Ziploc bag if you have to; it’s easier.
- Arrive via GA-400: Use the Mansell Road or Haynes Bridge Road exits, but try to approach from the "back way" via North Point Parkway if the main highway is backed up.
- The "No-Chair" Shows: Some high-energy rock or country shows don't allow lawn chairs at all. Check the specific event page on the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre website before you pack the car.
- Download Tickets Early: Cell service can get spotty when 12,000 people are all trying to post Instagram stories at the same time. Add your tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet before you leave the house.
- Hydrate: It’s a concrete and gravel bowl in the Georgia humidity. If you aren't drinking water between those $18 cocktails, you’re going to have a bad time by the second set.
The venue remains one of the premier stops on the American touring circuit for a reason. It’s clean, the sound is top-tier, and there isn't a truly "bad" seat in the house. Whether you call it Verizon, Encore Park, or Ameris, it’s the place where North Atlanta spends its summers.
Go early. Bring a sealed water bottle. Enjoy the sunset.