This Fascinating Oklahoma Amphitheater Has Been Abandoned And Reclaimed By Nature For Over A Decade Now
By Ashley|Published February 01, 2023
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Ashley
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
The Tsa-Li-Gi Amphitheater in Tahlequah is a hidden abandoned gem that has been long forgotten by many. Built in 1969, this outdoor theater was once a popular destination for music lovers and performers alike. However, in 2005, the amphitheater was abandoned and left to be reclaimed by nature. It was recently featured on AbandonedOK.com, and we are still in love with its beauty despite its current state of disrepair. Check it out below:
The Tsa-Li-Gi Amphitheater was a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee Nation – its name, "Tsa-Li-Gi" means a “Place of the Singers” in the Cherokee language. It featured a large stage with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, as well as seating for nearly 2,000 people.
It was the place to go for music fans in the area and a popular spot for various plays and community events. Today, it sits abandoned and left to the elements.
Here's a look back at what it looked like during its glory days. Does anyone remember visiting here back in the day? It's really quite an impressive piece of architecture.
In the early 2000s, the amphitheater fell into disrepair. The sound and lighting equipment became outdated, and the seating area was in need of a major overhaul. Despite efforts to renovate the theater, the cost proved to be too high, and in 2005, the place was officially closed.
Just remember, do not go on private property unless you receive permission first from the owners. There are signs outside this abandoned place that state, "No Trespassing."
Abandoned OK was able to visit this abandoned site and capture some great photos of the disrepair in December 2022. Some people are trying to get it restored and brought up to code, but nothing has been announced.
So until something changes, this magnificent amphitheater will continue to be overtaken by nature, but it sure is (weirdly) beautiful even in its less-than-stellar state.
