Long Beach is set to amplify its musical vibes with the groundbreaking of the Long Beach Amphitheater, a venue that promises to boost the city's tourism and economic growth while enhancing its cultural framework, as the city officials, alongside Legends Global, have commenced its construction, according to a statement by the City of Long Beach. Mayor Rex Richardson hailed the development of the amphitheater as a "powerful step forward" in solidifying Long Beach as a hub for arts and entertainment.
Strategically placed near the maritime landmarks of the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the new venue will boast being the largest waterfront amphitheater on the west coast and, setting its sights on hosting up to 40 major events every year, the ambition is for it to emerge as a significant player in the live entertainment industry, serving grandstands floor and box seats and featuring VIP sections along with premium food and beverage concessions. In her statement, First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas spoke of the amphitheater as a beacon of economic opportunity, "energizing our local economy" and raising the city's profile as a go-to spot for visitors.
The venture, slated at $21 million, is being funded by Long Beach's Tidelands Funds Group, with the anticipation of the amphitheater generating $2.5 to $3 million in net operating income annually, as mentioned in the City of Long Beach's announcement; it underscores the city's strategy to bolster tourism independently without resorting to taxpayer funds. City Manager Tom Modica stressed the importance of the project for the city's broader goals, aiming to strengthen the infrastructure and arts and entertainment options in Long Beach, bearing in mind the long-term benefits that surpass the limitations of the amphitheater itself, with the Port of Long Beach chipping in as its first founding sponsor, injecting $650,000 annually over five years to aid in various promotional activities.
Legends Global, the chosen operator for the amphitheater, carries a resumé with over 450 venues globally and the responsibility of delivering a range of services for this new facility. Dan Hoffend, EVP of North American Venues at Legends Global, celebrated the partnership with Long Beach, emphasizing the city’s rich history in live entertainment and expressing a desire for the venue to amplify that legacy on the waterfront. The inaugural season has already lined up acts like Mötley Crüe and TOTO, securing the amphitheater's position as a new fixture in the live music scene when it opens in the summer of 2026, as confirmed by the City of Long Beach press release.
For further information on the Long Beach Amphitheater project and related waterfront development, interested parties can delve into the details at the city's official website, or for those with an ear for concerts and events, bookmark the amphitheater's website for upcoming booking and ticket details.
