The Indianapolis area’s loudest backyard since 1989, Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville celebrated 35 years on Monday and prepares for the start of the 2024 concert season.
Now a summertime staple for the live music touring industry, Ruoff Music Center is one of the most legendary outdoor venues of its kind in the world. In 2023, Ruoff Music Center was recognized by Pollstar as the No. 1 amphitheater for tickets sold worldwide, and the No. 3 amphitheater for gross sales worldwide.
The first headliner at the venue was Sandi Patty on May 20, 1989, followed that same year by Bob Hope, George Strait, Frank Sinatra, hair metal band Cinderella, and The Beach Boys among others. The venue has since showcased more than three decades of iconic shows with highlights including:
- The Grateful Dead (July 15, 1989) – The venue’s first sold out show.
- Guns N’ Roses (May 28 and 29, 1991) – The band performed a now-legendary two night run as they brought the Use Your Illusion Tour to Noblesville. The second night included the live debut of “November Rain.”
- Foreigner (June 19, 1993) – The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees performed before a crowd of 18,000, and released a DVD titled “Foreigner Live at Deer Creek” in 2003. Foreigner is also performing as part of the 2024 season lineup.
- Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett held their wedding reception at the venue on June 27, 1993, after being married in Marion, Ind., earlier that day. Lovett performed at the venue later that evening.
- Prince (June 22, 1997) – At the time going by “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince,” Prince brought the Love 4 One Another Charities Tour to the stage with a 23 song setlist packed with hits like “Purple Rain,” “1999,” and more.
- Farm Aid (September 29, 2001) – Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, The Doobie Brothers, and Martina McBride took the stage for a special concert to help those affected by the World Trade Center tragedy. Farm Aid returned for the first time since 2001 during the 2023 concert season.
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (May 13, 2017) – The final performance at the venue for the band before Tom Petty’s passing.
The 2024 season is showing no signs of slowing down with shows including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tyler Childers, Alanis Morissette, Hootie & The Blowfish, Earth Wind & Fire and Chicago, New Kids on the Block and more.
The current 2024 concert calendar, along with tickets and more information, is available at this link.