A New Venue Brings a Different Approach to Long Beach

Prairie Avenue in Inglewood doesn’t have the fame of Wilshire, Sunset, or Rodeo. Yet, during many nights it feels like a hub for major sports and entertainment. The area features the impressive translucent design of the $2-billion Intuit Dome, the mid-century allure of Kia Forum, and the $5-billion Sofi Stadium that resembles a spaceship. Sofi Stadium frequently captures attention during events like the World Cup, drawing helicopter shots, anchor reports, and countless selfies.

While World Cup fever grips Inglewood, an observation from Harbor Plaza in the Port of Long Beach offers a contrast. This landscape is filled with cranes, large trucks, and containers alongside the historic Queen Mary. Here, a new venue stands out for being unlike those big-budget Inglewood icons.

The F&M Bank Amphitheater in Long Beach represents simplicity with its 11,000-seat waterfront arrangement. It’s a minimalist structure with bleachers, a stage, and temporary fencing costing $21 million. It lacks the design sophistication and luxury amenities associated with Inglewood’s giants but serves a purpose with lower-cost ingenuity.

Mayor Rex Richardson views the amphitheater as part of a vision to boost local culture and attract acts to Long Beach. Officials aim to eventually develop a permanent facility akin to San Diego’s Rady Shell, which cost $85 million.

In the past, Long Beach has tried attracting big investments. Negotiations with Disney for a $2 billion theme park and efforts to lure the Angels baseball team reflect the city’s aspirations. While waiting for major developers hasn’t yet hit a jackpot like Inglewood, Long Beach shows proactive initiatives without relying on blockbuster funding or renowned architects.

Monumental urban projects, as seen in Inglewood, change landscapes and bring attention. However, they often involve political complexities. Inglewood wrestles with disputes over improvement costs amid this heightened exposure due to events like the World Cup.