A new waterfront amphitheater in Long Beach is set to open this week, near the historic Queen Mary. City leaders hope the F&M Bank Amphitheater will compensate for declining oil revenues and attract more tourists. The venue is expected to fill a gap in Southern California’s music scene, offering a space twice the size of the Greek Theatre and two-thirds that of the Hollywood Bowl.
The F&M Bank Amphitheater can accommodate up to 11,000 people and is considered a temporary precursor to a planned permanent venue called the “Long Beach Bowl.” The site will open on June 6 with a performance by Snoop Dogg. The city expects the venue to operate for up to ten years.
Mayor Rex Richardson has been advocating for an outdoor venue since 2023. The closure of Irvine’s FivePoint Amphitheatre accelerated these plans, as it created an opportunity for Long Beach to attract concerts. Richardson stated that the amphitheater represents the city’s investment in its future and its creative economy.
The region has many indoor arenas but lacks outdoor venues for large national tours. According to Nick Storch from Independent Artist Group, these tours are crucial for the concert industry. He noted that the F&M Bank Amphitheater will cater to artists not ready for larger arenas, helping them grow their audiences.
Artists like Tesla, who will perform at the venue, have welcomed the new amphitheater. The band’s manager, Brian Wheat, highlighted the favorable atmosphere of outdoor gigs in the summer.
The design of the F&M Bank Amphitheater draws inspiration from industrial aesthetics, providing a unique experience for visitors. Dan Hoffend of Legends Global, which operates the venue, emphasised its location as one of its most appealing features, offering views across the harbor and of the Queen Mary.
Despite the venue’s potential to enhance the city’s cultural scene, some Long Beach residents have raised concerns about noise and other local issues. During a community meeting in April, residents expressed worries about homelessness and traffic fatalities.
The new amphitheater could offset revenue losses from oil extraction, which are projected to decline significantly by 2035. Managed by Legends Global and owned by the city, the amphitheater aims to generate nearly $29 million in revenue by 2036, helping bridge the budget gap.
As California reduces its reliance on oil, Richardson stresses the need to invest in arts, culture, and tourism. The amphitheater is one of several initiatives aimed at securing Long Beach’s economic future. He sees it as part of an ongoing tradition of using the arts to boost the city’s economy.
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