Long Beach Outdoor Amphitheater Gets $14M Approved By City Council

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach’s City Council has approved a $14 million budget for the development of a new outdoor amphitheater that is slated to open in 2026.

During Tuesday's meeting, the council members unanimously approved the budget, with officials saying it will pay for design costs, permits, engineering, infrastructure, furniture and equipment costs.

Approximately $10 million will be used to develop the new venue, while the remaining $4 million will go into site improvements and the parking lot, city officials said.

“The new amphitheater is a game-changer for Long Beach, bringing unparalleled opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate the arts,” First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas said in a statement. “This vibrant new venue will not only showcase incredible talent but also create lasting memories for residents and visitors alike.”

The idea to create an outdoor amphitheater was first presented by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richarsdon last year during his State of the City Presentation.

The amphitheater, which will be located adjacent to the Queen Mary, is meant to serve as a temporary space until a permanent venue can be funded and built.

City officials say the venue will host up to 40 concert-scale events each year, along with other community and private events. It’s also expected to have the capacity for up to 12,000 attendees, featuring grandstands, floor and box seats, a pit configuration and VIP sections.

“This is a pivotal step forward in the transformation of our city into a renowned destination for residents and visitors worldwide,” Richardson said. “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.”

In addition to approving the funding, council members voted to select Legends/ASM Global for the operation and management of the venue. The management company is partnered with hundreds of venues worldwide and already helps oversee the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.

As part of the agreement, both sides have agreed that a portion of the operating profits 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, officials said.

“The project is expected, conservatively, to generate a net operation income of $12 million over the next five years,” Long Beach city officials said in a statement. “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.”

Construction for the amphitheater will begin this summer, city officials said.