The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is located in the picturesque City of Long Beach in the United States of America. This cutting-edge facility offers an unrivaled experience for conference goers, event organizers, and entertainment aficionados alike, with its excellent location just steps away from the scenic waterfront.
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, which covers an area of 400,000 square feet, has a variety of flexible rooms, making it the perfect location for a variety of events, including conventions, trade exhibits, concerts, and sporting events. There is a venue for every occasion at the facility, which includes exhibit halls, meeting spaces, ballrooms, and even an arena.
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is the ideal location for your upcoming event, whether it is a corporate conference, a trade expo, or a live concert. This resort ensures that every visitor has an amazing experience because of its first-rated amenities, convenient locations, and unmatched service.
1. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
1.1 History of The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Long Beach, California’s growth has been significantly influenced by the legendary Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. This magnificent building has a lengthy history that began with its debut in 1978. Since then, it has developed into not only a cornerstone of the neighborhood but also a popular venue for events of many types. It was renovated twice in the following years – 1993 and 2014.
1.2 Overview of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center provides a spectacular backdrop and a convenient location for guests because it is located on a lovely shoreline. The Long Beach arena, The Terrace Theatre, the Pacific Bald Room, as well as several exhibit halls and meeting rooms are just a few of the many places available at the center. Small meetings, big conventions, and everything in between can all be held in these adaptable locations.
There are more than 400,000 square feet of space available, so there is no shortage of space for conferences, concerts, trade exhibits, exhibitions, and other events.Â
1.3 Venues of The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
1. The Long Beach Convention Center
In Long Beach, California, there is a top-notch venue called Long Beach Convention Center. The convention center boasts more than 400,000 square feet of flexible conference space, making it one of the largest on the West Coast. It has contemporary convenience and technology, such as on-site catering, high-speed internet, and audio-visual equipment. The center’s adaptability enables it to host a variety of events, from intimate gatherings to sizeable conventions.
The Long Beach Convention Center’s breathtaking waterfront location is one of its distinguishing qualities. Visitors can take in beautiful sites and even go for a stroll down the neighboring Pacific Coast highway because the venue is only a few steps from the ocean.
In general, the Long Beach Convention Center is a top venue for conventions and gatherings. For corporations and organizations wishing to conduct profitable and memorable conferences, it is a popular choice due to its amazing facilities, lovely setting, and exceptional services.
2. Long Beach Arena
1. History
The Long Beach Arena was opened in 1962 and was formerly connected to the Long Beach municipal auditorium, which was torn down in 1975 to make the Long Beach Convention Center. The first building constructed within the complex was the Long Beach Arena. Following are the capacities: 12500 for hockey, 14000 for basketball and depending on how the seats are arranged, 10500 to 14500 for the concerts.
The Pacific Ballroom is an event space located in the Long Beach Arena, designed to provide an intimate atmosphere for both receptions and concerts. The arena floor is converted into an intimate space through the use of a floating steel truss system, with seating capacity ranging from 2,990 to 4,890 for concerts. The venue was formerly referred to as “The Pacific Ballroom.”
2. Events
The arena has hosted a variety of entertainment, professional, and college sporting events, including the volleyball competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics. The Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers met there on October 14, 1967, with the Kings winning 4-2.
It was the first NHL game featuring a 1967 expansion team. The venue hosted two performances by the Renowned singer-songwriter Elvis Presley, on the 14th and 15th of November 1972, respectively, and the 25th and 26th of April 1976, respectively, for two afternoons and two evening performances.
The Eagles participated in a benefit concert for Senator Alan Cranston of California on July 31, 1980. The event was referred to as Long Night at Wrong Beach. On March 14-17, 1985, Iron Maiden played four state gigs as part of their World Slavery Tour. The performance from the 15th was captured for a double live CD that was named Live After Death. The Long Beach arena was the site of the first Los Angeles Regional Robotics Competition, which ran from 2019 to 2016.
PFL 9, a mixed martial arts competition, took place in October 2018. The arena was transformed into a hospital center during the COVID-19 pandemic in California, although it was never used. Game of Talents takes place in the arena, which is sitting for Fox’s game show. During the 2028 Summer Olympics, handball will also be played in this arena.
3. Wyland Murals
On July 9th, 1992, Wyland dedicated “Planet Ocean” to the environment. It’s one of his welding walls and covers 116000 square feet along the outside wall of a drum-shaped arena. The mural features aquatic creatures that can be seen in the waters around Long Beach, including migrating grey Whales. Wyland updated the original Whaling wall and painted a sizable mural of the Earth on the arena’s roof to honor Earth Day in 2009.
4. Meeting Rooms
The Convention Center consists of two ballrooms: the Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate a capacity of 2100, and the Promenade, which can seat 1400. In addition, 34 meeting rooms are located in the center with a total area of 7695 m square. The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in this convention center, and the theatre part hosted the fencing competition. The convention center will once again host an Olympic event in the event of sports climbing being an Olympic event in 2028.Â
1.4 Architecture & Facilities of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Long Beach Convention Centre is a modern and dynamic architectural gym situated close to the Pacific Ocean and providing visitors with breathtaking views. The complex consists of several buildings, each with its purpose, including the main convention center, which houses the exhibit hall, the meeting room, the ballroom, and other facilities, as well as the arena, which seats 13000 people and is used for a variety of events, from sporting events to concerts.
Additionally, the Convention Center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities, providing organizers with the necessary tools to create an immersive and memorable experience for attendees.
1.5 Events and Entertainment
The Long Beach Convention Center and Entertainment Center host a wide variety of events annually, catering to a wide range of interests and industries. It is capable of hosting large-scale events such as trade shows and conventions, as well as smaller-scale conferences and seminars.
The Long Beach comic expo is one of the most popular events held at the center, attracting thousands of comic book aficionados each year. This event showcases a wide range of pop culture items, celebrity guests, and a marketplace full of collectors and fans.
Additionally, the center is a leader in sustainability, hosting eco-friendly events such as the Green Port Fest, which is held annually in partnership with the port of Long Beach and promotes sustainable practices.
1.6 Economic Impact
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has been a major economic driver for the city, hosting a variety of events annually that attract tens of thousands of attendees. This has led to a lot of job creation for businesses in the area, like hotels and restaurants. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Centre’s economic impact of hosting conventions and meetings between 2018 and 19 was estimated to be $47 million.
In addition, the center has been instrumental in positioning Long Beach as a major player in the convention and tourism industry, garnering National and international attention. This has generated business and established Long Beach as a preferred destination for both meeting planners and visitors.
1.7 Community Engagement and Future Developments
The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has a long-standing commitment to the local community. Through its support of local charities and organizations, as well as its educational initiative for students, the center strives to make a positive contribution to its surroundings.
Looking ahead, the center has plans to expand and develop further, including the addition of a 1 lakh square foot exhibit and a 700-room hotel. These additions will not only enhance the venue’s capabilities but also provide additional chances for economic development and job creation.Â
2. Conclusion
As one of the best event venues in Southern California, the LBCEC has established itself as one of the most important events and entertainment venues in the city. The LBCEC’s rich history, state-of-the-art architecture, and dedication to hosting a wide variety of events make the LBCEC an essential part of the city’s economic and cultural growth. As the LBCEC continues to develop and grow, the future of LBCEC is brighter than ever.
