As of October 13, 2026, the proposed Vesper Amphitheater in Provo Canyon has not been approved or denied. The developers withdrew their application before the Provo City Council’s September 8 meeting and said they would submit an amended application addressing parking and the Hillside Overlay Zone. Any new application has to start over at the Provo Planning Commission, the same body that recommended denial 5-2 in June, before it can reach the City Council. Separately, the Orem City Council formally voted to oppose the project in September.
We’ve been following Vesper since it was announced, and the timeline has shifted so many times that it’s been hard to keep track. Our September update was written while a council vote was still expected on September 8. That vote didn’t happen. Here’s where things actually stand.
What Happened in September
Days before the council meeting, the developers notified Provo that they were stopping their current application and planned to submit an amended one. The Provo City Council said the new application would address issues including parking requirements and the Hillside Overlay Zone.
A representative for Vesper said the developers wanted to pause, reassess, and come back with a plan more in line with community feedback. They told KSL they planned to resubmit by the end of September. As of this writing, we haven’t seen public reporting confirming that a revised application has been filed.
What’s Changing in the Revised Plan
The earlier development agreement would have allowed 20,000 seats, 8,000 parking spaces, a 75-room hotel and 150,000 square feet of retail.
According to reporting on the revised plan, it’s expected to reduce parking and limit restaurants, retail and concessions to 40,000 square feet. The 20,000 seats and the 75-room hotel would stay the same.
Orem Formally Voted No
The Orem City Council voted to formally oppose the development. It’s a statement of position, not a veto, since Provo is the city with authority over the land. Orem had already sent a letter to Provo’s mayor and council in June asking for more information.
Residents in both Provo and Orem have raised concerns about traffic, noise and light pollution, wildfire risk, and impacts on parks, trails and wildlife in Provo Canyon.
Who’s For It
Provo Mayor Marsha Judkins has defended the project, calling it “amazing, innovative, unique, bold.” Supporters, including the two planning commissioners who voted in favor in June, point to the economic impact of a major venue drawing visitors to Provo. At least one city council member, Travis Hoban, told KSL in September that he was still completely undecided.
What Still Has to Happen
If the developers resubmit, here’s the path:
1. Provo Planning Commission review. The revised application goes back to the commission first. Its vote is a recommendation, not a final decision.
2. Provo City Council decision. The council decides on the general plan amendment and rezone, along with a development agreement.
3. A land sale. The project covers about 100.7 acres. About 26.2 acres belong to a private mining company, and the developer would need to buy about 74.5 acres from Provo City. That’s a separate council decision.
The development agreement as drafted also gives the council a safety valve: if Vesper doesn’t meet all the requirements, the council can vote to rescind the rezone and shut the project down.
What It Means for Homeowners Nearby
If you own a home near the mouth of Provo Canyon, in north Provo or east Orem, the honest answer is that nothing has changed yet. There’s no approval, no construction timeline, and no data on how a venue like this would affect nearby home values. Anyone who tells you it will definitely raise or lower values near the canyon is guessing.
If you’re buying in that area, keep an eye on it. It’s a reasonable question to ask, and it’s exactly the kind of local issue we track for clients. If you’re selling, buyers may ask about it, and “it’s been withdrawn and is being revised” is the accurate answer today.
We’ll update this post when a revised application is filed and when a Planning Commission hearing is scheduled. If you’re buying or selling in north Provo or east Orem and want to talk through what this means for you, reach out to our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Vesper Amphitheater approved?
No. As of October 2026, the Provo City Council has not voted on it. The developers withdrew their application before the September 8 meeting and said they would submit an amended version.
Was the Vesper Amphitheater rejected?
Not by the City Council. The Provo Planning Commission recommended denial 5-2 in June 2026, but that vote is a recommendation, not a final decision. The proposal is currently being revised.
What changes are in the revised Vesper plan?
Reporting on the revised plan says it would reduce parking and cap restaurants, retail and concessions at 40,000 square feet, down from 150,000 square feet of retail in the earlier agreement. The 20,000 seats and the 75-room hotel would remain.
Did Orem vote against the Vesper Amphitheater?
Yes. The Orem City Council formally voted to oppose the development in September 2026. Because the project is in Provo, Orem’s vote states its position but doesn’t block the project.
What happens next with the Vesper Amphitheater?
If the developers resubmit, the application goes back to the Provo Planning Commission, then to the City Council for a rezone decision. The developer would also need to buy about 74.5 acres from Provo City, which requires a separate council decision.
Will the Vesper Amphitheater affect home values in Provo or Orem?
There’s no reliable data on that. The project hasn’t been approved, and any effect on nearby home values would depend on whether it’s built, what the final plan looks like, and how traffic and noise are managed.
Citation sources below:
https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/decision-delay-vesper-amphitheater/
https://www.ksl.com/article/51620399/developers-hit-pause-on-vesper-amphitheater-plans-after-public-pushback
https://www.ksl.com/article/51621137/provo-mayor-defends-vesper-amphitheater-as-vivint-founder-others-express-concerns
https://provomusicmagazine.com/2026/09/14/after-public-opposition-mounts-vesper-amphitheater-plans-are-put-on-hold/
https://kmyu.tv/news/local/orem-formally-votes-to-oppose-vesper-amphitheater-development
https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2026-07-20/vesper-amphitheater-provo-city-council-rezone-75-acres-purchase
https://www.heraldextra.com/news/2026/jun/25/provo-planning-commission-votes-not-to-recommend-approval-for-vesper-amphitheater-zone-changes/
This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information at the time of writing. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Market data, development proposals, and city decisions can change, so confirm current information with relevant sources and consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.
