PRESS RELEASE

    Above: Proposed renderings of the Long Beach Bowl temporary amphitheater, anticipated to hold 10,000 to 12,000 seats and be located adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary in Downtown. Click renderings to enlarge.

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is announcing next steps and additional details for its highly anticipated Long Beach Bowl, the city’s first-ever amphitheater to be located along the Downtown waterfront near the iconic Queen Mary.

“This is a transformative time for Long Beach as we continue raising our position as a leading destination for the arts, entertainment and tourism in Southern California,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We are excited to be partnering with ASM Global/Legends, an industry leader that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation, to showcase Long Beach to the world and welcome musical talents and visitors from around the globe to our beautiful city.”

Announced last week at Mayor Richardson’s State of the City presentation, ASM Global/Legends, a world leader in venue management and live event experiences, has been tentatively selected to manage the Long Beach Bowl, following a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process. ASM Global/Legends will manage the daily operation of the state-of-the-art facility, including ensuring the highest industry standards for the site, coordinating bookings and programming entertainment, marketing and advertising activities, staffing and logistics, and maintaining sound and noise management.

The City’s Economic Development Department, in conjunction with the Office of Special Events and Filming, issued an RFP in August 2024 to identify a qualified firm to provide management and related services for the temporary outdoor amphitheater. The City received six applications, which were reviewed by a selection panel consisting of City staff from the Economic Development, Community Development, Public Works and City Manager Departments. The tentative staff selection is now entering further negotiations and will be presented to the Long Beach City Council for formal recommendation and approval on March 11, 2025.

“The Long Beach Bowl will serve as an iconic destination along the Downtown waterfront, bringing together locals and tourists to foster connection, creativity and entertainment for all,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “We are excited for the talent, memories and shared experiences the Bowl will bring to the community.”

The temporary amphitheater will encompass approximately five to six acres along Queens Highway, adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park. The venue, which is expected to host up to 40 events annually, will feature seating for up to 12,000 attendees, including floor and box seats, as well as a pit configuration, VIP sections, food and beverage concessions and more. As part of the City’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and sustainability, concepts for a shuttle service and formal ride share amenities will be explored for the new venue.

“The new Long Beach Bowl will be more than just a stage – it will be a game-changer for the economic growth and vitality of our city,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “ASM Global/Legend’s expansive experience and portfolio will be a great asset to the City and help to attract top-tier talent and visitors worldwide, further positioning Long Beach as a leading destination for entertainment and tourism.”

ASM Global/Legends, which operates the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, operates over 100 venues like that of the Long Beach Bowl, including 14 amphitheaters that seat 5,000 to 20,000 guests. ASM Global serves as the world’s premier live events company and manages more than 400 venues worldwide, overseeing 20,000 live events that welcome over 164 million guests each year.

“We are excited about the privilege of being part of this incredible journey with the Long Beach community,” said ASM Global Executive Vice President of Convention Centers Dan Hoffend. “As part of Legends and ASM Global, we’re proud of our 30-plus-year connection to this vibrant community. Long Beach has hosted some of the most iconic events in history, and we are focused on adding to that legacy by creating unforgettable moments that inspire and elevate this already amazing destination.”

The temporary amphitheater will operate on an initial five-year term with the potential for extensions as the City considers the development of a permanent venue in the future.

Site preparation and construction of the Long Beach Bowl is expected to begin later this winter, and the venue is slated for completion by the end of the year.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Economic Development Department, visit longbeach.gov/ed, follow on Facebook, X and Instagram. Stay up to date on business news by signing up for the City’s Business Brief.