The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is a multifaceted venue that plays a key role in the cultural and economic life of Long Beach, California. Known for its diverse event spaces, architectural beauty, and a prime location near scenic waterfront views, this venue attracts thousands of visitors each year. Whether it’s a trade show, concert, convention, or special event, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center offers something for everyone.
In this article, we will delve into the features, history, and significance of this major landmark and explore how it has become an integral part of Southern California’s event scene.
Overview of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Location and Layout
Located in downtown Long Beach, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is situated near the city’s bustling waterfront. This prime location allows visitors to enjoy scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, the marina, and nearby tourist attractions such as the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific.
The venue spans over 400,000 square feet of event space, making it one of the largest convention centers in California. It includes three main components:
Convention Center: This is the heart of the complex, with spacious exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and ballrooms.
Long Beach Arena: An iconic indoor arena that hosts large-scale concerts, sporting events, and performances.
Theater Facilities: Includes the Terrace Theater and the Center Theater, both of which are known for hosting Broadway shows, operas, and other cultural performances.
Event Spaces and Capacity
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is versatile enough to accommodate events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large-scale conventions. The main exhibit halls can be divided into different sections, allowing for multiple events to take place simultaneously. The venue’s flexible space design makes it ideal for trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, and galas.
Exhibit Halls: There are multiple exhibit halls with a total capacity of 224,000 square feet.
Meeting Rooms: There are over 34 meeting rooms, each equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.
Arena: The Long Beach Arena can host up to 13,500 attendees for concerts and sporting events.
Terrace Theater: This grand theater can seat 3,051 guests, offering a more intimate setting for stage productions.
History of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Early Beginnings
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s when Long Beach was developing its downtown area. The city aimed to create a centralized location for events and entertainment, which would contribute to local tourism and economic growth.
Construction began in the early 1970s, and the center opened its doors to the public in 1978. At the time, the venue was designed primarily to host trade shows and conventions, with a few entertainment events.
Expansions and Renovations
Over the years, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has undergone several renovations and expansions. The most significant expansion took place in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the city invested in modernizing the venue. The additions included upgrading the exhibit halls, enhancing technological infrastructure, and adding new event spaces.
In 2013, the Long Beach Arena underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of “The Pacific Room,” a flexible, fully customizable event space. The new design allows the arena to transition from a traditional concert venue to a more intimate setting for banquets, corporate events, and galas.
The ongoing renovations have helped the center maintain its status as a top event destination in Southern California.
Key Features of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Architectural Design
One of the standout features of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is its modern and innovative architectural design. The center blends contemporary elements with classic Southern Californian influences, creating a visually stunning space for events. Large glass windows allow for natural lighting, while outdoor terraces offer spectacular views of the surrounding marina and skyline.
The Terrace Theater’s grand staircase and water fountains have become iconic features, often used as backdrops for event photography and outdoor gatherings. The Long Beach Arena’s colorful murals and eye-catching LED lighting create a dynamic atmosphere that adds to the overall experience.
Technology and Accessibility
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making it a prime location for conventions, corporate meetings, and tech events. High-speed Wi-Fi, cutting-edge sound systems, and advanced audio-visual equipment are standard throughout the venue.
The center is also highly accessible for visitors, with easy access to major freeways, airports, and public transportation. The nearby Long Beach Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offer convenient travel options for out-of-town guests, while the center’s ample parking and shuttle services make it easy for locals to attend events.
Sustainability Initiatives
In recent years, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has made significant strides toward sustainability. The venue has implemented a variety of eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and water conservation measures. These efforts align with Long Beach’s commitment to environmental sustainability and make the center a more attractive option for organizations looking to host green events.
Notable Events and Conferences
Trade Shows and Conventions
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is known for hosting a wide range of trade shows and conventions throughout the year. These events attract industry professionals, exhibitors, and attendees from around the world. Popular conventions held at the venue include:
Anime Expo Lite: A major event for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture, featuring exhibits, guest panels, and cosplay contests.
California State PTA Convention: This annual event brings together educators, parents, and community leaders to discuss important topics in education and child advocacy.
International Salon and Spa Expo: One of the largest beauty trade shows in the U.S., featuring product demonstrations, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for beauty professionals.
Entertainment and Sports
The Long Beach Arena has become a popular venue for concerts and sporting events. Artists from various music genres have performed here, including rock, pop, and classical musicians. The arena’s flexibility also makes it a top choice for hosting sports events such as basketball tournaments, ice hockey games, and even wrestling matches.
In addition to concerts and sports, the venue is known for hosting cultural performances. The Terrace Theater frequently hosts Broadway productions, operas, and ballets, attracting theater enthusiasts from across the region.
Corporate Events and Banquets
With its customizable event spaces and advanced technological amenities, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is a favorite for corporate events. Companies often host conferences, product launches, and team-building events at the venue. The Pacific Room at the Long Beach Arena is particularly popular for high-profile banquets and awards ceremonies, offering a sophisticated setting with customizable lighting, seating arrangements, and decor.
Future Plans and Developments
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center continues to evolve, with plans for future developments aimed at maintaining its competitive edge in the events industry. Upcoming renovations and expansions will focus on enhancing the visitor experience, with improvements to seating, lighting, and sound systems across the venue. Additionally, the center aims to further its sustainability efforts by integrating more energy-efficient systems and increasing its use of renewable energy sources.
The city of Long Beach is also exploring opportunities to integrate the convention center more closely with nearby tourist attractions, such as the waterfront promenade and the Queen Mary. This will further enhance the venue’s appeal as a destination for both event attendees and casual visitors.
Conclusion
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is a cornerstone of Long Beach’s cultural and economic life. Its flexible event spaces, modern amenities, and prime location make it an ideal destination for conventions, concerts, trade shows, and corporate events. Over the years, the center has established itself as a leading venue in Southern California, offering a diverse range of events that cater to both local and international visitors.
As it continues to grow and adapt to new trends in the events industry, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is poised to remain a key player in shaping the future of Long Beach’s entertainment and tourism sectors.
