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Construction Begins on Long Beach’s Waterfront Amphitheater
By Staff Writer
Published on Thu, Jan 15, 2026
A new chapter for live entertainment in Long Beach is officially underway. City officials recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the Long Beach Amphitheater, a landmark waterfront venue that is set to elevate the city’s music, entertainment and tourism offerings when it opens in summer 2026.
Located near the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the venue will be the largest waterfront amphitheater on the West Coast, hosting up to 40 major concert and event nights each year. Designed to accommodate a wide range of performances and gatherings, the amphitheater will feature grandstands, floor and box seating, pit and VIP areas, along with premium food and beverage options.
In keeping with the City’s focus on accessibility and sustainability, the project includes plans for a dedicated shuttle service and enhanced rideshare amenities to improve transportation options and the overall guest experience.
The $21 million in costs will be offset by the venue’s future net operating profits. Once operational, the amphitheater is expected to generate $2.5 to $3 million in net operating income annually, without reliance on taxpayer funding. The project is also expected to generate broader economic benefits, including new jobs, increased tourism spending, parking revenue and tax revenue.
The Port of Long Beach will serve as the amphitheater’s first founding sponsor, providing $650,000 in annual funding over a five-year term to support venue branding, marketing, community engagement, activations and more.
The amphitheater is a cornerstone of the City’s broader effort to position Long Beach as a top-tier destination for live music, entertainment and tourism, aligning with the Mayor and City Council’s Grow Long Beach Initiative and the City’s forthcoming Entertainment Strategic Plan.
In April 2025, the City selected Legends Global to operate and manage the amphitheater. Legends Global brings extensive experience to the project, operating more than 450 venues worldwide and producing thousands of live events annually. Under an initial five-year agreement, the company will oversee all aspects of venue operations, including booking, marketing, guest services, food and beverage operations and facility management.
The amphitheater has already secured a strong lineup for its inaugural season, with performances scheduled for August and September including Mötley Crüe, TOTO, Christopher Cross, The Romantics and Five Finger Death Punch, among others.
As construction gets underway, the Long Beach Amphitheater represents more than a new venue—it signals the City’s continued investment in arts, culture and a vibrant waterfront that serves residents, visitors and future generations alike.
More information about the project and ongoing waterfront development is available at longbeach.gov/waterfront. Event and ticket details can be found at longbeachamp.com.
