Shakopee may hire sound experts over Mystic Lake Amphitheater bass
Shakopee’s Economic Development Authority votes Wednesday, Nov. 4, on hiring the firm GZA for up to $130,000, plus a $10,000 contingency, to investigate bass from the Mystic Lake Amphitheater and plan a network of 10 permanent sound monitoring stations in the surrounding community.
The amphitheater drew about 500,000 people to 41 events in its first season. Residents reported hearing music at considerable distances from the venue, and some reported windows and other parts of their homes rattling. Live Nation has already repositioned speakers, added sound-dampening materials and adjusted sound levels in parts of the venue.
GZA’s proposal cites an Oct. 12 city map that places the reports in three areas: across the Minnesota River valley to the north and northeast, about 2 to 6 miles out and into Eden Prairie; neighborhoods south of Highway 169 and west of County Road 83, about 1 to 3 miles away; and the Dean Lake area, about 1.5 to 4 miles to the southeast.
GZA was the lowest of four proposals, which ran up to $319,000. Staff says the study and the future monitoring equipment, estimated at $100,000 to $150,000 and not part of this contract, are to be paid from an acoustic impact fee charged per concert. If approved, part of the work would start this offseason, with field tests alongside Live Nation in the 2027 concert season. The city asks that noise be reported to Live Nation while a concert is underway, so venue staff can respond and take measurements.
What's next: The Shakopee Economic Development Authority meets Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 pm at City Hall, 485 Gorman St.
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