The total cost of the project at the time was estimated at $130 million, with the city contributing $110 million and Live Nation $20 million.īut Live Nation wanted an “extensive reconfiguration of the deal,” according to city manager Oliver Chi, that included increasing the total cost for the project by $20 million, with Irvine on the hook for the additional cost.Ĭity staffers shared Live Nation’s addendums with the council ahead of Tuesday’s meeting and offered councilmembers an alternative option: a smaller amphitheater, with a capacity for up to 8,000 and estimated to cost $80 to $90 million. 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 in Great Park, replacing the temporary FivePoint Amphitheatre. Ohadi also pointed to a petition started by residents that had garnered more than 120 signatures by Tuesday evening. However, a handful of Irvine residents, including Great Park Residents Council member Camiar Ohadi, spoke out against the large venue, citing traffic and noise concerns. Irvine leaders went back to drawing board for new concepts for Great Park’s future.With Great Park residents frustrated, city proposes ‘task force’ to get their voice in development.Irvine council, Live Nation ink deal for permanent concert venue at Great Park.Irvine’s partnership with Live Nation for Great Park concert venue could be in jeopardy.Many spoke about their memories of Irvine Meadows, which for 36 years was Orange County’s largest music venue, and how this new amphitheater is an opportunity to continue the musical memories. Some wore white shirts emblazoned with gold lettering proclaiming “Save Live Music Irvine.”

But after more than three hours of public comment, Councilmember Mike Carroll asked to postpone the discussions because he had a prior commitment, and enough councilmembers agreed to the request.Ĭonstruction workers, stagehands, union representatives from the hospitality and music industries, publicists, hotel workers, concertgoers and food truck owners, among others, including one musician who played his guitar, spoke out in favor of the 14,000-seat amphitheater. 14, whether Irvine should proceed with an agreement with concert promoter Live Nation for the large concert venue or move for a scaled-down 8,000-seat amphitheater. The City Council was set to discuss on Tuesday, Feb. Members of the public came out in droves to voice their opinions on a proposed 14,000-seat amphitheater in Great Park - but Irvine councilmembers decided to punt the deliberations to the end of the month.

Inside limbo