Construction continues to move forward on the Southern Gap Amphitheater, with crews making steady progress on what local officials hope will become a major destination for live entertainment, tourism and economic development in Buchanan County.
Work at the site has recently focused on development and infrastructure improvements, according to Sunset Holler Inc. Officials said the next major phase of construction will include erecting structural steel for the amphitheater’s stage roof.
The project officially broke ground Oct. 27 during a ceremony at the Southern Gap Visitors Center that brought together local and state officials, community supporters and members of the Sunset Holler Inc. team to celebrate the start of construction.
When completed, the outdoor venue will seat more than 2,500 people and is expected to host concerts, festivals, community celebrations and other entertainment events, drawing visitors from throughout Southwest Virginia and neighboring states.
Plans for the amphitheater include an 84-foot-by-57-foot performance stage with a 55-foot-by-42-foot clear area in the center that can accommodate a wrestling mat, allowing the venue to host athletic competitions in addition to concerts and other entertainment events.
The amphitheater is being designed by VMDO Architects and Terra Tech Engineering, with J.A. Street & Associates serving as the project’s general contractor.
The venue is being constructed on the former Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure property, which became part of the Breaks Interstate Park system after documents finalizing the sale were signed Dec. 1, 2025. Under the agreement, Breaks Interstate Park acquired all Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure operations and associated assets, including the campground and approximately 35 acres of property. As part of the sale, an agreement was reached that allowed Sunset Holler Inc. to move forward with Asher McGlothlin’s amphitheater project, ensuring construction would continue under new ownership.
“We are excited to see the continued progress at Southern Gap Amphitheater and grateful for the commitment and hard work from everyone involved in the project,” said Asher McGlothlin, president and director of Sunset Holler Inc. “This venue represents an opportunity to create a lasting asset for Buchanan County — a place where residents can gather, visitors can experience Southwest Virginia, and the region’s rich musical heritage can be celebrated, preserved, and carried forward. Our goal is to create a space that pays homage to the traditions that have shaped this region while also providing a platform for new artists, new sounds, and the continued evolution of Appalachian music for generations to come.”
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the amphitheater scheduled to welcome its first performers and audiences during its inaugural season in 2027.
Once it opens, the Southern Gap Amphitheater is expected to become one of the largest outdoor entertainment venues in Southwest Virginia, giving residents and visitors a new place to enjoy concerts, festivals and community events while supporting Buchanan County’s growing tourism and recreation economy.
