Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the world’s largest live entertainment company - manager of premier concerts, historic venues, top-tier artists and global ticket sales - has put down roots in the River City. The Satellite Music Hall, which opened this fall at Crosstown Concourse, is a nod to the original name of Stax Records, Satellite Records, founded in 1957. Live Nation President Southeast Ted Heinig says, “Our goal is to help bring more national touring acts to Memphis while celebrating the city’s incredible musical heritage and contributing to its next chapter.”
For Live Nation, choosing Memphis was a strategic decision driven by an opportunity to introduce the kind of modern space today’s touring artists actively demand, according to Heinig. When a market gains the right venue, it completely redefines what is possible for local live entertainment. Heinig continues that Satellite Music Hall fills a critical void in the Memphis market: a premium, 1,300-capacity club space, a perfectly sized venue option when booking national tours, while unlocking fresh opportunities for local Memphis artists to showcase their talent on a world-class stage.
Finding the perfect home for this project led directly to Crosstown Concourse. The location has been many years in the making, according to Todd Richardson, President and CEO of Crosstown Concourse. “But ultimately Live Nation was excited about being part of the Concourse campus, including the already established live music and arts programming, as well as multiple restaurants, brewery and overnight stay options,” says Richardson. The venue fits naturally within the thriving, creative ecosystem of the historic complex, which houses diverse arts organizations, advanced music programs and active recording studios built on a culture of collaboration. Coupled with a Midtown location, excellent accessibility, thriving nearby restaurants, and a secure environment where fans can comfortably enjoy a full evening out, the site checked every single box. Satellite was built specifically for live music by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, working closely with the Crosstown team and architectural firm archimania.
“Every detail was designed with artists and fans in mind — from loading access, dedicated green rooms and artist spaces to state-of-the-art sound and lighting, flexible staging and production capabilities that can support a wide range of tours” says Heinig. Their collaboration with local design and build teams like Grinder Taber Grinder, Inc. proved equally vital, seamlessly translating the vision into a physical reality.
Economic and educational investments further cement a community bond. The venue has successfully generated more than 100 local jobs, setting a strong economic baseline. Furthermore, Live Nation is actively investing in the future of the industry through a dedicated apprenticeship program with Stax Music Academy. This partnership ensures that Satellite Music Hall functions not just as a space to enjoy incredible live performances, but as a practical pipeline where local youth can discover, learn and build sustainable careers within the live music industry.
“Satellite Music Hall will be bringing 100 more live music shows to Memphis
annually.” Todd Richardson, President and CEO Crosstown Concourse