PRESS RELEASE

  
Above: Proposed renderings of the Long Beach Amphitheater, the city’s first-ever amphitheater that will also be the second-largest outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles County. Click renderings to enlarge.

Long Beach, CA – During its Tuesday, April 1, 2025, meeting, the Long Beach City Council (Council) approved with a 9 to 0 vote the selection of Legends / ASM Global for the operation and management of the city’s first-ever amphitheater that will also be the second-largest outdoor amphitheater in Los Angeles County, strategically situated on the Long Beach waterfront. Additionally, the Council approved with a 9 to 0 vote $14 million in funding for the design and development of the open-air venue, which will further propel the city as a premier national and international destination for music, entertainment and special events of all scales.

“Today marks another significant milestone in bringing the new Long Beach Amphitheater to life. This is a pivotal step forward in the transformation of our city into a renowned destination for residents and visitors worldwide,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Downtown waterfront, the new amphitheater will be an investment in our community, fostering shared experiences, elevating culture and arts and solidifying Long Beach as a hub for live entertainment.”

To be located in Downtown adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the transformative venue is expected to host up to 40 concert-scale events annually, along with other community and private events. The amphitheater will feature seating for up to 12,000 attendees, including grandstands, floor and box seats, a pit configuration and VIP sections, in addition to food and beverage concessions. As part of the City’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and sustainability, plans for a shuttle service and dedicated rideshare amenities will be implemented to enhance transportation options for attendees.

“The new amphitheater is a game-changer for Long Beach, bringing unparalleled opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate the arts. This vibrant new venue will not only showcase incredible talent but also create lasting memories for residents and visitors alike. I am confident that this space will serve as a catalyst for continued growth, cultural enrichment, and community pride in our great city,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.

The City’s Economic Development Department, in collaboration with the Office of Special Events and Filming, issued a request for proposals in August 2024 to identify a qualified firm to provide management and related services for the large-scale, waterfront music venue, creating a new revenue-generating opportunity for Long Beach. The City received six proposals and recommended Legends / ASM Global, a world leader in venue management and live event experiences, following a competitive selection process. Legends / ASM Global, which operates 13 similar facilities nationwide, including the Greek Theater, will be responsible for providing a full range of services for the facility for an initial five-year period, including managing daily operations, sales, marketing, event booking, guest services, food and beverage services, facility management, capital planning and more.

“The new amphitheater will further position Long Beach as the Next Great International City and is a bold statement about our future as a leading entertainment and cultural hub,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “The new venue will boost economic growth and create new jobs and opportunities for local businesses. We are proud to be partnering with Legends / ASM Global on this game-changing project, which will establish Long Beach as world-class destination for years to come.”

The temporary amphitheater and its proposed management model are key components of the City’s broader effort to position itself as a top-tier music, entertainment and tourism hub, an initiative outlined in the Mayor’s and City Council’s Grow Long Beach Initiative and central to the City’s upcoming Entertainment Strategic Plan. By leveraging Long Beach’s rich musical and entertainment history, the project will support the city’s growing tourism sector, help to bolster city revenues and create economic opportunities for local, small businesses benefiting from increased visitor traffic.

As part of the agreement with Legends / ASM Global, a portion of operating profits for the amphitheater will be paid to the City, including ticket sales, revenue from concessions and a percentage of the sale of the naming rights or sponsorships at the amphitheater. The project is expected, conservatively, to generate a net operation income of $12 million over the next five years. Adding in total potential tax revenue, net operating profit and parking revenue, the project could potentially generate $29 million over the next five years and $61 million over 10 years.

“For over 30 years, we have maintained a strong connection to this dynamic community, and Legends / ASM Global is honored to help bring Long Beach its first-ever amphitheater,” said Legends / ASM Global Executive Vice President of Convention Centers Dan Hoffend. “We are committed to enhancing Long Beach’s legacy by creating unforgettable experiences at the Long Beach Amphitheater that contribute to its rich tradition of hosting world-class events, driving economic impact and growth, and elevating the city on a global stage.”

The $14 million project will be funded by City’s Tidelands Area Fund Group, including design, permitting, engineering, project management services, infrastructure and site improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment costs, which will be offset primarily by the venue’s future net operating profit. Of this cost, an estimated $10 million is required to develop the amphitheater and $4 million is required for parking lot and other site improvements, many of which are essential to maintain public accessibility and maximize the use of the Queen Mary site. These are restricted funds that can only be used for development and services on the coast and cannot, by law, be used for other municipal services or projects.

Legends / ASM Global, which operates the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, oversees the largest portfolio in the live entertainment industry. It has nearly 500 venues worldwide, including 14 amphitheaters that seat between 5,000 and 20,000 guests. At its venues, it hosts 20,000 live events that welcome over 164 million guests each year.

Construction of the amphitheater is expected to begin this summer. Build-out of the project is expected by the end of the year, with completion of the venue slated to accommodate a full 2026 concert schedule. To learn more about the project and related waterfront development activity, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/waterfront.  

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.