Long Beach’s New Amphitheater Hopes to Boost Tourism

The F&M Bank Amphitheater in Long Beach, positioned near the Queen Mary, is opening this week. This venue, much larger than the Greek Theatre and almost as big as the Hollywood Bowl, aims to revive tourism and compensate for reduced oil revenue.

Venue Details and Local Impact

This temporary venue holds up to 11,000 attendees. It’s designed to eventually lead to a more permanent structure, the ‘Long Beach Bowl,’ set to be the West Coast’s largest waterfront venue. Launching on June 6 with Snoop Dogg, the amphitheater is expected to operate for up to a decade.

Mayor Rex Richardson has been a key supporter, advocating for the venue as part of Long Beach’s waterfront revitalization since 2023. Following the closure of FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, Richardson saw this as an opportunity for Long Beach.

“This will be a place where memories are made and music unites people.” – Mayor Rex Richardson

Filling a Void in Southern California

Industry professionals like Nick Storch recognize the amphitheater addresses a gap in venues capable of hosting large tours. Many such tours bypass the area due to a lack of outdoor, large-capacity arenas.

Artists like Motley Crue and Five Finger Death Punch are slated to perform, capturing audiences that might otherwise be missed. Veteran artists will also benefit, drawing crowds familiar with similar venues.

Historical Context and Future Vision

FivePoint Amphitheatre previously served as a major venue from 2017 until its closure, hosting hundreds of concerts. Following the end of construction talks between Irvine and Live Nation, new opportunities arose for Long Beach.

Mayor Richardson and his team attended FivePoint’s last concert to explore the feasibility of a similar venue in Long Beach. This led to plans for the Long Beach amphitheater, envisioned as an iconic waterfront landmark.

According to Dan Hoffend of Legends Global, even the furthest seats offer a majestic view of the Queen Mary and harbor, enhancing the concert experience.

Design and Ambiance

Tra Jones, the amphitheater’s general manager, emphasizes a unique industrial design, seeking to create a distinct atmosphere beyond a temporary feel. Richardson also promotes Long Beach as ‘Vibe City,’ aiming to capture the city’s distinctive allure.

Nonetheless, Richardson acknowledges that local concerns such as homelessness and traffic must also be addressed. As oil revenues decline from over $50 million to a projected $21 million by 2035, the amphitheater aims to fill budgetary gaps.

Economic and Cultural Aspirations

Expected to become profitable within five years, the venue could generate $29 million by 2036, aiding in the fiscal transition away from oil reliance. This aligns with California’s broader move from oil production toward sustainable futures through arts, culture, and tourism.

Long Beach boasts a vibrant musical history, with acts like War, Sublime, and Snoop Dogg, as well as hosting early performances by bands such as the Beach Boys. Recent festivals have confirmed the city as a viable music destination.

By investing in arts and music, Long Beach endeavors to secure an economically resilient future, with this amphitheater as a critical step.