California Construction News staff writer
Construction has begun on a new $21 million waterfront amphitheater in Long Beach that city officials say will become the largest venue of its kind on the West Coast and a centerpiece of the city’s tourism and entertainment strategy.
The Long Beach Amphitheater is being built near the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park and is expected to host up to 40 large-scale concerts annually once it opens in summer 2026.
Plans for the venue include grandstands, floor and box seating, a pit configuration and VIP sections, along with premium food and beverage concessions. The city said transportation planning for the project includes a shuttle service and dedicated rideshare areas to improve accessibility and reduce traffic impacts.
The project is being funded through the city’s Tidelands Funds Group. City officials said the costs will be repaid through projected net operating profits from the venue. Once operational, the amphitheater is expected to generate between $2.5 million and $3 million annually in net operating income without relying on taxpayer funding.
In addition to operating revenue, the city projects the venue will generate broader economic benefits, including tax and parking revenue and the creation of temporary and permanent jobs.
The amphitheater is a key component of the city’s Grow Long Beach Initiative and will play a central role in the city’s upcoming Entertainment Strategic Plan. Officials said the project is intended to strengthen Long Beach’s position as a regional music and tourism destination while supporting local businesses through increased visitor activity.
At the groundbreaking, the Port of Long Beach was announced as the amphitheater’s first founding sponsor. The port will provide $650,000 annually over five years to support branding, marketing, community engagement and venue activations.
Several musical acts have already been confirmed for the amphitheater’s inaugural season in August and September 2026, including Mötley Crüe with special guests Tesla and Extreme; TOTO; Christopher Cross; The Romantics; and Five Finger Death Punch with special guests Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire.
Additional information on the amphitheater project and waterfront development is available at longbeach.gov/waterfront.
