Prairie Avenue in Inglewood may lack the fame of Wilshire or Sunset, but it features impressive entertainment venues. The $2-billion Intuit Dome, the mid-century charm of the Kia Forum, and the grand $5-billion Sofi Stadium all stand out. Sofi Stadium, looking like a landed spaceship, is focal during the World Cup, attracting attention and countless selfies.
In contrast, 20 miles south on Harbor Plaza in the Port of Long Beach, a different scene unfolds. Among cranes and container boxes, alongside the anchored Queen Mary, a new venue emerges. The F&M Bank Amphitheater, a temporary 11,000-seat facility, goes against the norm of grandeur in urban planning. It features a simple setup: bleachers, a stage, and temporary fencing. This $21 million project will operate for ten years and has already hosted events like Snoop Dogg.
Long Beach’s Mayor Rex Richardson describes it as a proof of concept to showcase the city’s potential. The venue aims to draw acts and visitors without the need for global corporations or billionaire backers. Long Beach has a history of stalled large-scale projects, but this venue shows a shift in strategy. The ultimate goal is a permanent facility similar to San Diego’s $85-million Rady Shell.
In Inglewood, investment in entertainment infrastructure has transformed the urban space. The World Cup significantly boosts its profile. However, challenges arise, with some locals seeing little benefit from the influx of visitors. Additionally, political and financial conflicts, such as a $400-million dispute over reimbursements, complicate the situation. Long Beach, meanwhile, pursues its vision on a smaller scale.