2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

The Backyard

Entrant

Blueprint Studio / Live Nation

Category

Conceptual Design - Entertainment

Client's Name

Blueprint Studio / Live Nation

Country / Region

United States

About The Entry

Premium hospitality in live entertainment does not have to be defined by luxury alone. For The Backyard, Blueprint Studio expanded the idea of premium to include better amenities, more comfort, and more meaningful ways for guests to spend time together before, during, and after a show.

The Backyard is a scalable hospitality concept developed for Live Nation amphitheaters inspired by the traditions of the American backyard–cookouts, tailgates, lawn games, and neighborhood get-togethers. It creates a place where guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy premium amenities while remaining connected to the broader concert experience.

The design blends hospitality, placemaking, and local storytelling to create an environment that is both elevated and familiar. Signature elements include cookout-inspired menus, tailgate-style bars, lawn games, shaded gathering areas, local artist programming, and installations celebrating regional music history.

Built on a consistent experiential framework, every Backyard is tailored to its location. Climate, site conditions, local character, and audience all inform the design, allowing the experience to scale across Live Nation's amphitheater portfolio while maintaining a strong sense of place.

At its core, The Backyard expands the definition of premium hospitality. Rather than relying on exclusivity alone, it creates a premium experience through shared rituals, familiar comforts, and spaces designed for people to gather. The environment encourages guests to arrive earlier, stay longer, and become active participants in the venue experience rather than simply waiting for the show to begin.

By blending hospitality design with the nostalgia and communal spirit of outdoor entertainment, The Backyard establishes a new model for premium experiences in live music venues.

More than a VIP destination, The Backyard extends the concert experience beyond the stage, giving guests a place to connect with friends and create memories that begin before the first song and continue long after the encore.

Credits

Mietra Beyer
Molly Rowan Hamilton
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