PRESS RELEASE

As Long Beach continues to grow and thrive as a destination for music, arts and culture, the City of Long Beach today released a request for proposals (RFP) led by the Economic Development Department for the operation and management of its highly-anticipated, first-ever amphitheater to be located adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary along the Downtown waterfront. 

“Long Beach is elevating its status as a premier entertainment and tourist destination in Southern California,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The new Long Beach Bowl will be an iconic music venue on our beautiful waterfront that will highlight the spirit and culture of our community and will bring people together for concerts and festivals, further enhancing our landscape and stimulating our local economy.” 

The state-of-the-art amphitheater will encompass approximately five to six acres along Queens Highway, between the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park. The proposed venue will have a capacity of up to 12,000 attendees and host a variety of live events, attracting major bands, artists and acts from around the world and thousands of visitors to the city. The selected firm will be responsible for ensuring the highest industry standards and managing daily operations of the venue, including coordinating bookings and programming top-tier entertainment, marketing and advertising activities, staffing and logistics, and maintaining sound and noise management. 

“It’s exciting to get started on our very own amphitheater – something that will be iconic and an amazing destination for both locals and tourists to enjoy,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “Music unites and inspires people, and we look forward to hosting people from all over to share in that spirit.” 

Qualified firms are encouraged to submit proposals electronically through the City’s vendor portal, Long Beach Buys, by 11 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2024. City staff will host an optional pre-proposal meeting for prospective contractors at 9 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2024. A copy of the RFP is available on the Long Beach Buys website. For questions regarding the RFP, interested parties may email rfppurchasing@longbeach.gov.  

“We’re building the next great international city and unleashing the creative economy through music, athletics, tourism and hospitality like never before,” said Economic Development Department Director Bo Martinez. “The new amphitheater will offer a vibrant experience for local visitors and tourists with the spectacular Downtown skyline and waterfront as its backdrop.”  

The proposed, modern amphitheater will be temporary in nature, with an initial operating term of five years and the potential for extensions as the City considers the development of a permanent venue in the future. Completion of the amphitheater is anticipated for summer 2025.  

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.