The Stars Shine in the Sun Cities
Social Science/History | Registration opens 8/3/2026 12:00 AM MST (Arizona)
A history of the Sun Bowl and Sundome Center for Performing Arts, two entertainment venues built by the Del Webb Corporation to promote the Sun Cities and entertain its residents. The Sun Bowl was an outdoor amphitheater opened in 1967 in Sun City, while the Sundome was an indoor, 7,000-seat theater opened in 1980 in Sun City West. When the Sundome opened, it was the largest single-level amphitheater in the Southwest. While the Sun Bowl still exists, sadly the Sundome was demolished nearly 20 years ago to make way for a grocery store. We also share stories of the many great performers who entertained at these two venues through the years -- a who's who of some of the 20th Century's biggest names in entertainment.
Bret McKeand
Please note: Bret is unable to lead this class, but Jerry Crowdey from the Sun City Speakers Bureau will carry on!
McKeand, Bret - is a retired journalist and current Sun Cities Area Historical Society President. As a reporter, editor, and publisher, Bret spent his entire journalism career with Independent Newspapers in Arizona. He retired in 2020 as president of the company’s Arizona operations. He is president of the Sun Cities Area Historical Society Board of Trustees, which owns and operates the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum. In 2010, he authored a book on the history of Sun City to benefit the society and the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum.