Gexa Energy Pavilion

Originally known as the Coca-Cola Starplex Amphitheatre, the Gexa Energy Pavilion first opened in 1988. 10 years later Coca-Cola’s naming rights expired and the venue simply became known as the Starplex Amphitheatre. In 2000, naming rights to the amphitheatre were sold to the Smirnoff vodka company as a result of a corporate sponsorship agreement with The House of Blues, which currently operates the venue.

Artists who have performed at the “Gexaplex” include Elton John, The Police, Brad Paisley, Tina Turner, Martina McBride, Coldplay, Santana, Oasis and Black Sabbath among many, many, many others.

The center was previously called Smirnoff Music Centre. Naming rights were awarded again in January 2008 to Superpages.com Center. It was renamed in 2011 to Gexa Energy Pavilion.

The 20,000-seat amphitheater offers both cushioned, hard-backed seating and cushy lawn seating. You’ll find Gexa Energy Pavilion on Pennsylvania Avenue, across from the southern end of The Midway.