Long Beach breaks ground on a $21 million waterfront venue poised to become the largest amphitheater of its kind on the West Coast
Long Beach is preparing to amplify its cultural footprint in a major way. This week, the city officially broke ground on the Long Beach Amphitheater, a landmark waterfront venue poised to reshape Downtown Long Beach and elevate the city’s status as a premier destination for live music and large-scale events.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the amphitheater will become the largest waterfront venue of its kind on the West Coast. Designed to host up to forty concert-scale events each year, the space will welcome globally recognized artists, community celebrations, and private gatherings in a setting that blends coastal energy with modern design.
City leaders framed the project as both a cultural investment and an economic engine. Mayor Rex Richardson described the amphitheater as a defining step forward for Long Beach, one that reinforces the city’s commitment to thoughtful growth while bringing people together through shared experiences. Positioned as a centerpiece of the Downtown waterfront, the venue is expected to drive tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen the city’s creative economy.
The Long Beach Amphitheater will serve as the largest waterfront amphitheater on the West CoastCredit: City of Long Beach
The $21 million project is being funded through the City’s Tidelands Funds Group and is projected to generate between $2.5 million and $3 million in annual net operating income once operational. Notably, the venue is expected to operate without reliance on taxpayer funding, with profits repaying the initial investment. Beyond direct revenue, city officials anticipate broader economic impact through increased tax revenue, parking income, and the creation of both temporary and permanent jobs.
Thoughtful planning is also shaping the guest experience. The amphitheater will feature grandstands, floor and box seating, pit and VIP sections, along with premium food and beverage offerings. Sustainability and accessibility are built into the design, with plans for shuttle services and dedicated rideshare infrastructure to improve transportation flow along the waterfront.
The Port of Long Beach was announced as the amphitheater’s first founding sponsor, committing six hundred fifty thousand dollars annually over five years to support branding, marketing, and community activations. Port leadership emphasized the partnership as a natural extension of its commitment to the city’s cultural and civic life.
Operational oversight will be handled by Legends Global, selected earlier this year following a competitive proposal process. The global entertainment company manages more than four hundred fifty venues worldwide and will oversee everything from booking and marketing to food and beverage operations and long-term capital planning. The partnership aligns with Long Beach’s broader strategy to position itself as a top-tier entertainment and tourism hub, as outlined in the city’s Grow Long Beach Initiative and upcoming Entertainment Strategic Plan.
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Momentum is already building. A slate of major musical acts has been confirmed for late summer 2026, signaling the caliber of programming expected at the venue. The amphitheater is scheduled to open in summer 2026, ushering in what city leaders hope will be a new era for Long Beach’s waterfront, one defined by music, movement, and cultural connection.
For a city with a rich entertainment legacy and a rapidly evolving downtown, the Long Beach Amphitheater represents more than a new venue. It is a statement of intent, a bold note played loudly on the Pacific coast, inviting the world to listen.