Long Beach is opening a new waterfront amphitheater, known as the F&M Bank Amphitheater. It is approximately twice the size of the Greek Theatre and significantly large. City leaders see the venue as crucial to replacing falling oil revenues and boosting local tourism.

Amphitheater Details

This temporary facility accommodates up to 11,000 visitors and serves as a precursor to a permanent structure, the ‘Long Beach Bowl.’ Concert promoters believe this venue will fill a gap in Southern California’s music scene by offering a place bigger than the Greek Theatre and FivePoint but smaller than the Hollywood Bowl. Opening on June 6 with a performance by Snoop Dogg, the amphitheater will operate for up to ten years.

City’s Vision

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson has been a key advocate for an outdoor waterfront venue since 2023. Following the closure of Irvine’s FivePoint Amphitheatre, he moved quickly to propose this project, seeing it as an opportunity to capitalize on the region’s need for outdoor venues. He emphasized the venue’s potential to foster community, enhance the arts, and improve Long Beach’s economic outlook.

Market Impact

According to Nick Storch of the Independent Artist Group, the amphitheater addresses a need for outdoor venues suitable for national tour acts. Bands like Gojira and Five Finger Death Punch are slated to perform here, alongside veteran artists such as Tesla. Storch noted that outdoor setups are vital for acts transitioning between smaller and larger venues.

Aesthetic and Location

The amphitheater has been designed with an industrial style, reflecting Long Beach’s port heritage. Its prime location next to the Queen Mary enhances its appeal, offering visitors stunning waterfront views even from the highest seats.

Broader Economic Strategy

Running parallel to Long Beach’s vision of branding itself as ‘Vibe City,’ the amphitheater represents a cultural investment aimed at offsetting diminishing oil extraction revenues. Forecasted to generate nearly $29 million annually by 2036, the amphitheater is part of a broader strategy to sustain municipal services as oil revenues decline.

Richardson sees the development not only as a cultural hub but as an integral part of Long Beach’s long-term economic resilience. Events like the Warped Tour and Dreamstate have already shown the city’s potential for hosting successful outdoor music festivals, and Richardson believes the new amphitheater will continue this tradition.