A decision on the future of an Irvine Great Park amphitheater may come sooner than expected.
At the City Council’s last meeting, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, people arrived in droves to voice their opinions on a proposed 14,000-seat amphitheater in the Great Park. After a long public comment session, the councilmembers pushed a decision on its future to the end of the month.
But now, the council will instead hold a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to pick up discuss on whether Irvine should proceed with an agreement with concert promoter Live Nation for the concert venue or move for a scaled-down 8,000-seat amphitheater.
In September, the City Council approved an agreement with Live Nation for the design, construction and operation of a permanent outdoor 14,000-seat amphitheater to replace the temporary FivePoint Amphitheatre.
However, City Manager Oliver Chi said Live Nation later sought an “extensive reconfiguration of the deal,” including an additional $20 million investment by the city. City staffers offered councilmembers the smaller venue as an alternative option.
But Live Nation officials said “the latest agreement reflects terms that both sides align on” after additional talks and also said “the 14,000-capacity amphitheater could be built within the initial $130 million budget that was previously approved.”
Proponents of the large amphitheater say they believe it could attract big-name acts, while opponents say residents will be impacted by the noise and increased traffic.
Another issue that is scheduled to be addressed on the agenda for Tuesday’s special meeting is a discussion on potentially creating an independent districting advisory commission. Irvine is currently exploring switching to district elections from at-large elections and adding two new councilmembers.
The council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
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