New Waterfront Amphitheater in Long Beach: A Catalyst for Tourism and Revenue

A new waterfront amphitheater in Long Beach, twice the size of the Greek Theatre and two-thirds the size of the Hollywood Bowl, is set to open this week. City leaders have high expectations for the F&M Bank Amphitheater, strategically located near the iconic Queen Mary. They hope it will replace declining oil revenue and boost tourism. Concert promoters see it filling a gap in Southern California’s music venue market.

The temporary venue can hold 11,000 people and is a precursor to a proposed permanent venue called the ‘Long Beach Bowl.’ The permanent site is projected to become the largest waterfront venue on the West Coast. The amphitheater kicks off on June 6 with a performance by Long Beach’s own Snoop Dogg and is planned to operate for up to 10 years.

Mayor’s Vision for Long Beach

Mayor Rex Richardson has pushed for an outdoor performance venue since 2023. Following the closure of Irvine’s FivePoint Amphitheatre in October that year, he accelerated plans for this facility. Richardson believes Long Beach can capitalize on Irvine’s loss. The mayor sees the amphitheater as a place for creating memories and showcasing the city on a larger stage. He emphasizes the importance of investing in the city’s future and enhancing its creative economy.

A Solution for the Music Industry

The region, known for vast indoor arenas, lacks a proper ‘summer shed’ for hosting national amphitheater tours, said Nick Storch of Independent Artist Group. He noted the value of being outdoors for concerts, dining, and experiencing the community. Such tours are crucial for the concert industry and artists who are not yet ready for arenas.

Veteran artists with dedicated fan bases also benefit from amphitheaters. The rock band Tesla has not played in Los Angeles or Orange counties since FivePoint’s closure. The new venue aims to change that, offering an ideal setting for outdoor summer concerts.

From Temporary to Permanent

Much like FivePoint, the F&M Bank Amphitheater serves as a temporary solution after Irvine Meadows’ closure in 2016. With 11,000 seats, it is designed to bridge the gap until a permanent venue can be approved and built. Richardson envisions a site similar to San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, promising to be architecturally iconic.

Despite its temporary design, the amphitheater provides a stunning view of the Queen Mary and the harbor from all seats. General Manager Tra Jones, a Long Beach native, aims to create a unique and stylistic atmosphere that resonates with concertgoers.

Vibe City

Under Richardson’s leadership, Long Beach has embraced its identity as ‘Vibe City.’ This branding aims to capture the essence of the city’s charm. Richardson acknowledges that while branding and venues contribute to the city’s identity, addressing residents’ immediate concerns — like homelessness and traffic safety — remains critical.

The new amphitheater is part of a strategy to offset the expected decline in oil revenue, crucial for funding city services. The venue is projected to be profitable within five years, generating nearly $29 million in revenue by 2036. Richardson emphasizes the need to invest in arts, culture, and tourism for a sustainable future.

A Rich Musical Legacy

Long Beach’s musical legacy includes performances by the Beach Boys, Snoop Dogg, and others. The city has hosted outdoor festivals such as Warped Tour and Day Trip, proving its viability as a music destination. Richardson views the new amphitheater as an investment in an economically resilient future, continuing a tradition of leveraging the arts to drive the local economy.