Long Beach City $16.5 Million Temporary Amphitheater Project

Long Beach is set to approve a $16.5 million plan to construct and operate a temporary amphitheater near the Queen Mary, aiming to establish the city as a premier entertainment destination. While city officials highlight the economic benefits, some residents argue that Long Beach should focus on more pressing local issues.

The proposed Long Beach Bowl will be a 10,000- to 12,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, expected to open in spring 2026. The venue will host 30 to 40 ticketed concerts annually, along with private and community events. Officials say the amphitheater will provide an economic boost, attract major touring acts, and complement existing entertainment venues like the Long Beach Arena.

ASM Global, a leading venue management company, will oversee operations under a five-year contract with an option for renewal, receiving $300,000 per year in management fees. The City will pay $1.5 million in startup costs to ASM Global, which will also contribute $1 million in capital investment. The company manages the Long Beach Convention Center and renowned venues like the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Dignity Health Amphitheatre in Bakersfield.

“We’ve addressed some of the challenges in our Downtown, and now it’s ready to add some infusion of new economic activity, and the most immediate form is the amphitheater,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said. “Overnight, it will be a top-10 venue that can’t be ignored.”

The City will allocate $14 million from the Tidelands Fund to cover design, permitting, and construction, including $4 million for infrastructure improvements such as grading the land and upgrading parking lots. Officials expect these costs to be repaid through future operating profits, with revenue projections showing $26 million in net profit, $6 million in new parking revenue, and $11 million in additional tax revenue over the next decade.

The Long Beach Bowl is intended to serve as a temporary venue for the next 10 years, after which city officials hope to replace it with a permanent amphitheater.

Richardson emphasized that the project aligns with Long Beach’s strategy to generate alternative revenue sources as the city moves away from oil extraction, which has historically funded municipal services. “The way we’ve generated revenue is changing fundamentally,” he said. “And there are some things that we have to do in the next few years.”

City planners envision the Long Beach Bowl as a major cultural addition, similar to the Hollywood Bowl, which draws nearly 300,000 attendees annually. Officials believe the amphitheater will attract major concerts and festivals, helping Long Beach compete with other Southern California entertainment hubs.

The venue is also expected to host local events, including performances by the Long Beach Symphony, the Long Beach Jazz Festival, and the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration.

A 2023 market analysis conducted by consulting firm AECOM found a gap in mid-sized venues (10,000 to 12,000 seats) in the greater Los Angeles area. City officials argue that Long Beach is well-positioned to fill this gap and establish itself as a year-round music destination.

Despite the city’s enthusiasm, some Long Beach residents and community activists have criticized the project, arguing that taxpayer funds should be spent on more urgent local issues, such as homelessness, infrastructure repairs, and public safety.

“Our streets have potholes, our public transportation system needs improvements, and we have a growing homeless crisis,” said Maria Lopez, a downtown resident. “Spending $14 million on a temporary amphitheater feels like misplaced priorities.”

Others have raised concerns about noise pollution, traffic congestion, and parking availability in the surrounding area. “How will this affect the people who actually live here?” asked Daniel Kim, a resident of nearby Drake Park. “We already deal with road closures and noise from festivals. Adding a full-time concert venue will just make it worse.”

Local business owners, however, have expressed cautious optimism. “If done right, this could be a major boost for tourism and small businesses,” said Carlos Mendez, who owns a restaurant near the waterfront. “But the city needs to make sure it’s not just another attraction that benefits big corporations while ignoring local issues.”

City officials maintain that the amphitheater will ultimately generate new revenue to fund public services and infrastructure projects. However, they acknowledge residents’ concerns and stress that community engagement will be essential moving forward.

“This project is about economic growth,” said Johnny Vallejo, Deputy Director of Economic Development. “But we also need to make sure we’re addressing the needs of the people who live and work here every day.”

With construction set to begin in July, the debate over the Long Beach Bowl reflects a broader discussion on how the city should allocate its resources—balancing ambitious development projects with the everyday concerns of its residents.

As the City Council prepares to vote, one question remains: Is an amphitheater the best investment for Long Beach right now?