Rod Stewart
Huntsville

Huntsville: Alabama's Rocket City

Huntsville, nicknamed "Rocket City," is home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, making it a hub for aerospace and technology. The city's commitment to innovation extends to its cultural offerings, with The Orion Amphitheater representing Huntsville's investment in world-class entertainment.

The venue is located in the MidCity District on University Drive, a mixed-use development that has transformed the former Madison Square Mall site into a vibrant entertainment and residential area. The location is familiar to many long-time Huntsvillians while offering new experiences for both residents and visitors.

Huntsville has recognized that a strong arts and entertainment scene is essential for competing for talented newcomers to build its STEM workforce. The Orion Amphitheater serves as both a major attraction for world-class artists and a community gathering space for farmers markets, festivals, graduations, and other public events throughout the year.

The Orion Experience: More Than Just a Concert

Attending a show at The Orion Amphitheater offers a complete entertainment experience. Arrive early to explore the rotating selection of Alabama's best food trucks, offering everything from pizza and hot dogs to sushi. Once inside, choose from 15+ curated bars based on your preference—whether you're into rum, tequila, wine, beer, or craft cocktails.

The venue's intimate floor plan ensures great views from anywhere in the house. The amphitheater's design creates exceptional acoustics while the open-air setting provides a comfortable Alabama spring evening atmosphere. Friendly guest service attendants are ready to help you find your seats, and the venue offers $10 seat cushions if you need extra comfort.

The Orion also features an on-site garden in a small meadow behind the amphitheater, where staff grow fresh produce and herbs used in the venue's cocktails and catering—a unique touch that reflects the venue's commitment to quality and sustainability. For more information about The Orion, visit The Orion Amphitheater's official website.

Getting to The Orion Amphitheater

The Orion Amphitheater is located in Huntsville's MidCity District on University Drive. One of the best features of attending a show at The Orion is that parking is included with your ticket purchase—a portion of your concert ticket goes toward parking and traffic management, so there's no additional fee when you arrive.

Parking at The Orion is first-come, first-served on event days, with ample space available in surrounding lots. The venue is easily accessible from Interstate 565 and other major Huntsville thoroughfares. Plan to arrive early to secure convenient parking and enjoy the pre-show food truck offerings.

The North Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM (closed Mondays). The South Box Office opens 2 hours prior to gates on event days only. Gates typically open approximately 90 minutes before showtime.

Why Choose a Resale Marketplace for Rod Stewart Tickets

When major artists like Rod Stewart announce tour dates, primary tickets often sell out quickly, especially at newer, more intimate venues like The Orion Amphitheater. Secondary ticket marketplaces provide continued access after primary sales conclude.

As a verified resale marketplace, we offer several key advantages: wider selection of seating options, competitive pricing from multiple sellers, transparent all-in costs with no hidden fees, and comprehensive buyer protection. Every transaction is processed securely with verified seller authentication, ensuring you receive valid tickets or your money back.

It's important to understand that ticket prices are set by individual third-party sellers based on market demand, seat location, and availability. Prices may be above or below original face value depending on these factors. We've been connecting fans with live entertainment for over 20 years and maintain the highest ratings on Trustpilot among ticket resellers.

The Orion's Grand Opening and Musical Legacy

The Orion Amphitheater's grand opening weekend in May 2022, titled "The First Waltz," featured an impressive lineup of Alabama-connected and nationally renowned artists including Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes), Jason Isbell, Emmylou Harris, Drive-By Truckers, Mavis Staples, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, and John Paul White.

Since opening, The Orion has hosted diverse acts across all genres—from country and rock to alternative and hip-hop—establishing itself as Alabama's premier destination for live music. The venue also provides year-round programming including educational events, farmers markets, free community concerts, and opportunities for local businesses and organizations to host gatherings.

The amphitheater's rapid rise to prominence, including its 2024 Pollstar nomination just two years after opening, demonstrates the venue's commitment to exceptional artist experiences and fan satisfaction. Rod Stewart's performance continues this tradition of bringing world-class entertainment to North Alabama.

Rod Stewart's Timeless Appeal

What makes Rod Stewart's concerts so special is his ability to connect with multiple generations of fans. Whether you grew up with his 1970s rock classics, his 1980s pop hits, or discovered him through his interpretations of the Great American Songbook, Stewart's shows offer something for everyone.

At 80 years old, Stewart defies expectations with his energy and vocal power. His distinctive raspy voice remains one of the most recognizable in popular music, and his stage presence combines rock star swagger with genuine warmth and humor. The One Last Time Tour production features stunning visuals, expert lighting, and a world-class band that brings his extensive catalog to life.

Stewart's interaction with the audience, including his famous soccer ball kicks (reflecting his lifelong passion for Celtic F.C.), creates memorable moments throughout the show. His concerts typically run over two hours, ensuring fans get a comprehensive celebration of one of rock music's greatest careers.

Planning Your Huntsville Concert Experience

For visitors coming from outside Huntsville, the city offers numerous hotels and accommodations within a short drive of The Orion Amphitheater. Downtown Huntsville features diverse dining options, boutique shopping, and attractions including the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Museum of Art, and the Historic Huntsville Depot.

The MidCity District itself is developing into a vibrant entertainment and residential area with additional restaurants and amenities opening regularly. Many concertgoers make a full evening of their visit, arriving early to explore the area before heading to The Orion for the show.

April in Huntsville offers pleasant spring weather, perfect for an outdoor concert. Evening temperatures are typically comfortable, though it's wise to bring a light jacket. The amphitheater's open-air design allows you to enjoy the natural Alabama spring atmosphere while experiencing world-class acoustics.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Rod Stewart performing in Huntsville?

Rod Stewart will perform at The Orion Amphitheater on Friday, April 17, 2026, with showtime at 7:30 PM. British synth-pop legend Howard Jones will open the show. Gates typically open about 90 minutes before showtime, allowing time for parking, exploring food truck options, and finding your seats.

Where is The Orion Amphitheater located?

The Orion Amphitheater is located in Huntsville's MidCity District on University Drive, on the former site of Madison Square Mall. The venue is easily accessible from Interstate 565 and major Huntsville roadways, with free parking included in your ticket price.

Who is opening for Rod Stewart in Huntsville?

Howard Jones will be the opening act for Rod Stewart in Huntsville. Jones is a British synth-pop icon from the 1980s known for hits like Things Can Only Get Better, No One Is to Blame, What Is Love, and New Song. He's sold over 8 million albums worldwide and performed at Live Aid.

How many people does The Orion Amphitheater hold?

The Orion Amphitheater has a capacity of 8,000 people. Opened in 2022, it's a state-of-the-art venue designed by renowned architect David M. Schwarz. The intimate design ensures great sightlines from every seat, inspired by classic venues like Red Rocks with an elevated bowl configuration.

Is parking free at The Orion Amphitheater?

Yes, parking is included with your ticket purchase at The Orion Amphitheater. A portion of each concert ticket goes toward parking and traffic management, so there's no additional fee when you arrive. Parking is first-come, first-served on event days in surrounding lots.

What makes The Orion Amphitheater special?

The Orion opened in 2022 as Alabama's premier music destination and was nominated for Pollstar's Outdoor Concert Venue of the Year in 2024. It features 15+ curated bars with different themes, diverse food trucks, an on-site garden, exceptional acoustics, and unobstructed sightlines. The venue is owned by Huntsville and operated by Ben Lovett's Venue Group.

Can I buy food and drinks at The Orion?

Yes, The Orion offers extensive food and beverage options. Before the show, choose from a rotating selection of Alabama's best food trucks offering diverse cuisines. Inside, the venue features 15+ bars with different specialties including rum, tequila, wine, beer, and craft cocktails made with herbs from the venue's on-site garden.

Is this Rod Stewart's last tour?

The One Last Time Tour is Rod Stewart's final large-scale world tour. However, Stewart has confirmed he will continue recording music and performing at smaller, more intimate venues after this tour concludes. This makes the Huntsville show a special opportunity to see him in an amphitheater setting.

What songs will Rod Stewart perform?

While setlists vary by show, Rod Stewart typically performs his greatest hits including Maggie May, Tonight's the Night, Da Ya Think I'm Sexy, Forever Young, You Wear It Well, Every Picture Tells a Story, The First Cut is the Deepest, and Sailing. His shows span his entire five-decade career and run over two hours.

How do I know the tickets are authentic?

All tickets sold through our marketplace come from verified sellers who have been authenticated through our secure platform. Every purchase is backed by our buyer protection guarantee, ensuring you receive valid tickets that grant you entry to the event or your money back with no questions asked.

Why are resale ticket prices different from face value?

Resale ticket prices are set by individual third-party sellers based on market demand, seat location, availability, and other factors. Prices may be above or below original face value depending on these market conditions. Our marketplace aggregates listings from multiple sellers to provide options at different price points.

What time should I arrive at The Orion?

It's recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before showtime to allow for parking, walking to the venue, exploring food truck options, passing through security, and finding your seats. Earlier arrival is advisable if you want to fully experience the venue's dining and bar offerings before the opening act begins.

What is the weather like in Huntsville in April?

April in Huntsville offers pleasant spring weather with average evening temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit. It's ideal for outdoor concerts, though bringing a light jacket is recommended. The Orion's open-air amphitheater design allows you to enjoy the natural Alabama spring atmosphere while experiencing excellent acoustics.

Are there hotels near The Orion Amphitheater?

Huntsville offers numerous hotels and accommodations within a short drive of The Orion Amphitheater. The MidCity District is centrally located with easy access to downtown Huntsville hotels, chain hotels along major thoroughfares, and boutique accommodations. Many visitors combine their concert experience with visits to Huntsville attractions like the Space Center.

What is Huntsville known for?

Huntsville is known as Rocket City due to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It's a hub for aerospace, technology, and defense industries. The city has invested heavily in cultural amenities including The Orion Amphitheater to attract talent and provide world-class entertainment for residents and visitors.