How will 11,000 people get to Long Beach’s new amphitheater? • Long Beach Post News
Long Beach is preparing for the debut of the F&M Bank Amphitheater, a new waterfront venue designed to accommodate 11,000 guests. The facility will officially open this Saturday with a headlining performance by Snoop Dogg.
Navigating the Waterfront Venue
Due to the venue’s location on an old port pier nearly surrounded by water, on-site general admission parking is unavailable. Attendees must utilize alternative transportation methods to reach the site via a single small bridge connecting the pier to downtown.
Ticket holders for Saturday’s event can access a free shuttle from a parking lot on Shoreline Drive, south of Ocean Boulevard. Parking in this lot is priced at $55 and must be purchased in advance through the ParkWhiz app.
For those preferring the water, AquaLink boats operated by Long Beach Transit will run every 30 minutes from a dock near the Aquarium of the Pacific. These round-trip fares are set at $5.
Additional transport options include rideshares, buses, bikes, and e-scooters, with dedicated storage available outside the venue. To provide early entertainment, the Queen Mary will offer free admission on concert days.
An Economic Pivot for Long Beach
City officials view the amphitheater as a strategic tool to bolster the local economy. Mayor Rex Richardson described the opening as a “major milestone,” noting that the city is betting on the venue to help replace declining oil revenue.
The goal is to increase downtown foot traffic and attract tourists who will spend money at local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. City Manager Tom Modica encouraged attendees to invest in downtown businesses before and after their events.
The facility is managed by Legends/ASM Global, with a contract that includes a $300,000 annual fee following an initial consulting period. Naming rights were purchased by Farmer & Merchants Bank for an undisclosed amount.
Looking Ahead: The Summer Lineup
Following the grand opening, the venue has already secured a variety of high-profile acts through August, including Ice Cube, Lil Wayne, Toto, and Luke Bryan.
The upcoming Saturday event will serve as the first real test of the city’s complex transportation logistics. If the shuttle and water taxi systems handle the 11,000-person capacity efficiently, it may pave the way for the venue to meet its financial projections.
According to the city’s Economic Development Department, the venue is projected to pay for itself within eight years and could potentially generate $7.4 million in profit over its final two years of operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timing details for the opening concert?
Shuttles begin running at 4 p.m., the venue opens its doors at 5 p.m., and the show is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
How much does parking and transport cost?
Parking at the Shoreline Drive lot costs $55 via ParkWhiz (with a free shuttle to the venue), while AquaLink round-trip boat fares are $5.
Who is managing the F&M Bank Amphitheater?
The venue is operated by the management company Legends/ASM Global.
Do you think water taxis and shuttles are a sustainable solution for high-capacity waterfront venues?