Rock Legends The Doobie Brothers Attend Ribbon Cutting Event with Stakeholders from Oak View Group, Acrisure, Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle Kraken, H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, and More
Inaugural Opening Show Kicks-off Tonight with Legendary Comedic Forces Chris Rock & Dave Chappelle
Acrisure Arena, the newest 11,000-capacity world-class venue in Southern California officially opened today following a special ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate Greater Palm Springs first major arena. The ceremony featured stakeholders including arena developer Oak View Group; the venue’s naming rights partner, Acrisure; H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation; Acrisure Arena; the Coachella Valley Firebirds; and Seattle Kraken. Special guests, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee of The Doobie Brothers, were also on-hand to officially open the building. The four-time GRAMMY Award winning band will take the stage as Acrisure Arena’s first musical performance on Thursday, December 15.
Commencing with a three-plane flyover of several historic aircrafts from the Palm Springs Air Museum, and a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” from the Indio High School marching band, the ribbon cutting event featured speakers including Tim Leiweke, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Oak View Group; Irving Azoff, co-founder, Oak View Group with Shelli Azoff; John Bolton, senior vice president of entertainment of Oak View Group, and general manager, Acrisure Arena; Greg Williams, chairman and CEO, Acrisure; Tod Leiweke, president and CEO of the Seattle Kraken; Samantha Holloway, chairperson of the executive committee, Seattle Hockey Partners; Bob Hart, chief operating officer (COO), AECOM Hunt; Robert Norvell, principal and senior architect, Populous; V. Manuel “Manny” Perez, Riverside County Board of Supervisors; and Douglass A. Vance, executive vice president of real estate, H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation; with attendance from Seattle Kraken majority owner David Bonderman; Francesca Bodie, president of business development, Oak View Group; Steve Collins, president, global venue development and special projects, Oak View Group; and Steve Fraser, president, Acrisure Arena & Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Tim Leiweke commented, “This dream started five years ago and it’s very rewarding to finally share this building with the Valley community. Acrisure Arena represents Oak View Group’s sixth arena and I’d like to thank all of our partners for believing in our community, project, and vision, as well as our team for a job well done.”
Irving Azoff commented, “For Tim and me, this just isn’t just another building because we’re proud residents of Coachella Valley, and this wouldn’t have happened had we not experienced life here in the Valley and what it all means to the community. Similar sized markets across the country simply don’t have opportunities like Palm Springs and we are proud to bring this state-of-the-art venue to fans in the Coachella Valley.”
In public-private partnership between Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken Hockey, and Live Nation, the 300,000 square-foot Acrisure Arena will provide the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Built for AHL hockey, live music, and events, the new arena will provide top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility will serve as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Developed by Oak View Group with project manager, CAA/Icon; architect, Populous; and construction contractor, AECOM Hunt, the arena will provide a significant boost to the regional economy, especially when economic activity has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. The world-class entertainment venue, with its Palm Springs-inspired design, will bridge its iconic past with today’s advanced technology and amenities.
Later this evening, two legendary comedic forces, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. (doors 6:00 p.m.) for Acrisure Arena’s inaugural show. In support of the event, Stand Together, Acrisure Arena’s exclusive social impact partner and music series title sponsor, and FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), a civil liberties group focused on free speech and empowering diverse voices to discuss and solve the challenges our communities face, will set-up an impact activation for show-goers that enable fans to memorialize and share their experience at opening night via a photo booth. Per the artists, this event will be a phone-free experience. **Use of phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. More details here.
Following The Doobie Brothers’ performance on Thursday, December 15, the entertainment and festivities continue at Acrisure Arena with Latin Grammy-award winning septet from Tijuana, Grupo Firme, on Friday, December 16 at 8:00 p.m.; the Firebirds Fan Fest presented by Toyota on Saturday, December 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 18 from 2:00 p.m. until puck drop for the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ long-awaited home opening game at 6:00 p.m. against the Calgary Flames; Public ice skating at the Berger Foundation Iceplex on Monday, December 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Coachella Valley Firebirds’ games against challengers Tucsan Roadrunners on Tuesday, December 20, the Henderson Silver Knights on Friday, December 23, and the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, December 28; and three-time GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5on Saturday, December 31 at 8:00 p.m. to ring in the New Year.
The $300M multi-purpose, state of the art arena will host more than 120+ major events annually while delivering an unmatched live entertainment experience including clear sightlines and optimal acoustics for concerts featuring 10,000 sq feet of acoustic lapendary panels (2,155 panels in total) for superior arena sound engineering. In addition to private and premium club spaces, with local Palm Springs craft beer offerings, the arena includes 20 executive suites that are cantilevered over the lower seating bowl, and an impressive 40’ marquee with two 20’ monument signs to be installed by February. To build a greener future, Acrisure Arena intends on being ILFI Net-Zero Carbon Certified for operations by 2025.
Located at 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert, CA 92211, Acrisure Arena is a first of its kind in the greater Palm Springs area. Annually, Acrisure Arena will attract over one million visitors bringing year-round entertainment to the region, hosting sports, music, and family events. With 16 announced events to date for the grand opening celebration, Acrisure Arena is on track to bring over 100+ high-value events to the market for the very first time. New shows or onsales are announced regularly.
For more information about Acrisure Arena, visit www.AcrisureArena.com.
***For the health and safety of everyone attending, these events will abide by local laws, guidance from public health authorities, and venue COVID-19 policies. While there are currently no restrictions, enhanced health and safety policies, including the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test (or alternatively proof of full vaccination), may be put in place at any time prior to the show date at the discretion of the venue, presenter, or tour. Please do not attend an event at Acrisure Arena if you have tested positive, been in close contact with someone who is positive, or are experiencing symptoms.