Long Beach is set to celebrate the opening of its new F&M Bank Amphitheater with a concert by renowned artist Snoop Dogg. This event marks the debut of the 11,000-seat temporary venue, strategically located next to the iconic Queen Mary. City officials are optimistic that the amphitheater will enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth for downtown businesses.
Boosting Local Economy
The amphitheater is part of Long Beach’s broader initiative to expand its entertainment and tourism offerings along the waterfront. City leaders envision this as a stepping stone towards establishing a permanent waterfront venue. The inaugural concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, with gates opening at 5 p.m.
Tra Jones, general manager of the Long Beach Amphitheater for Legends Global, expressed enthusiasm about the opening. “Opening our doors with Snoop Dogg is the perfect way to celebrate Long Beach’s rich music legacy and signals our commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to this community,” Jones stated. The venue is designed to honor the city’s creative spirit, and Snoop Dogg’s performance is seen as a fitting launch.
Logistics and Scenic Views
Attendees are advised that there will be no general admission parking at the amphitheater. Instead, parking is available at the Shoreline Drive lot, with a free shuttle service to the venue. Long Beach Transit will also operate AquaLink water shuttles from a dock near the Aquarium of the Pacific before and after the show.
The amphitheater offers stunning views of Long Beach Harbor, with the Queen Mary serving as a picturesque backdrop. Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of North American venues for Legends Global, highlighted the unique vantage points available. “If you sit in the very top row — what you would consider the worst seat in the house — it’s a spectacular view,” Hoffend remarked, emphasizing the panoramic harbor views.
Economic and Cultural Impact
City officials anticipate that the amphitheater will provide a significant economic boost by attracting visitors to downtown Long Beach and generating tax revenue. The city’s Economic Development Department projects that the $21.3 million venue could pay for itself within eight years.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson hailed the opening as a cultural milestone. “Long Beach built the culture — and now we’ve built the stage for it. The opening of the Long Beach Amphitheater is a defining cultural moment and a historic homecoming,” he said.
The amphitheater’s inaugural season lineup includes performances by Claypool Gold featuring Primus, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, Toto, Christopher Cross and The Romantics, Luke Bryan, 311 and Dirty Heads, Jack’s Mannequin, Something Corporate and Andrew McMahon, Nas and The Roots, Los Angeles Azules, Deep Purple, Five Finger Death Punch, and Motley Crue.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
