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Committee researches amphitheater models, weighs temporary venues and partnership funding
Summary
Committee members reviewed amphitheater comparables, discussed site constraints (parking, noise), and explored funding models including a nonprofit venue operator and private-leasing options; a community member urged site visits to Bella Colina and other venues.
San Clemente City’s Arts & Culture Committee spent a large portion of the meeting refining early research into an amphitheater and performing-arts facility, reviewing model venues and funding approaches while keeping site constraints — parking, noise and neighborhood impacts — at the center of decisions.
Subcommittee members cited comparables for scale and operation: Garden Grove (about 496 fixed seats with additional standing-room capacity) and the temporary Great Park Live venue in Irvine (staff described it as a temporary 5,000-seat model). One member said, "The current one is called Great Park Live, and so that's the temporary one," as the committee weighed whether a temporary or permanent solution would best fit San Clemente’s needs.
Staff and members said capacity and layout depend heavily on the site under consideration. Samantha said potential city-owned parcels are being reviewed but emphasized that parking and noise limitations will determine feasible capacity and drive budget needs. The committee acknowledged the research phase is ongoing and that Council-level conversations about land and budget would be necessary before design or procurement.
A community member, Amanda, urged committee members to visit Bella Colina and other nearby venues to evaluate slope, accessibility and existing infrastructure. Amanda said a site visit showed some venues have favorable topography and restroom/parking access, while others lack infrastructure and are less suitable.
Committee members also discussed partnership and funding models. The subcommittee reported having explored nonprofit operators that help develop venues; the transcript references a nonprofit model called 'Leather Pavilion' that has programs to fund and operate venues and might provide matching or implementation assistance. Members also proposed considering leasing privately owned event spaces as an interim model while the city refines a long-term plan.
Next steps include continuing site research, clarifying which city properties are viable, preparing budget forecasts tied to specific sites, and assessing partnership or grant opportunities. Staff said the subcommittee will return with more detailed options and a recommended approach to sizing, sites and possible funding sources.
