Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Carson opens 13,000-square-foot amphitheater, touts new venue for community events
Summary
City officials on Oct. 23 celebrated the grand opening of the Carson Amphitheater and courtyard, a 13,000-square-foot outdoor venue intended for performances, graduations and community programming; city leaders credited staff and partners for an 18-month build and held a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
City officials and community leaders on Oct. 23 formally opened a new amphitheater and courtyard at the Carson Civic Center, describing the 13,000-square-foot outdoor venue as a flexible space for concerts, graduations, cultural events and other public gatherings.
City Manager David Roberts opened the ceremony by thanking city staff and dignitaries and introducing the project team. "This project presents the best of Carson," Roberts said, calling the facility a long-awaited civic asset and inviting residents to tour the new courtyard and community-center spaces.
Why it matters: Mayor Lula Davis Holmes framed the amphitheater as part of a broader rebranding and growth strategy for the city she called "the jewel of the South Bay." Holmes said the project was the start of larger redevelopment plans — referencing a 157-acre development, a goal of growing the city population and a claimed $220,000,000 surplus — and credited the assembled staff and leadership for delivering the facility.
The mayor and other elected officials emphasized the amphitheater’s community uses. Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Hicks highlighted the venue’s capacity and design: "This is a 13,000 square foot facility that actually can seat up to 1000 people," he said, noting modular design, courtyard features and diverse programming potential. Councilmember Arlene Bogatierra Rojas said the stage will expand space for early childhood graduations, cultural celebrations and mayoral conferences that previously overflowed indoor venues.
Design and project delivery: Architect Tony Lawson described the larger-than-planned stage, shade elements, lighting and turf area intended to accommodate both performances and family-friendly activities. Project staff said the build required weekly coordination over an 18-month period; project leads named at the ceremony included superintendent Bobby Grove, project manager Azita Korbajat and contractor John Raymond.
Partners and recognition: Representatives from the state assembly and the office of State Senator Laura Richardson presented certificates recognizing the opening. LAUSD representative Tanya Ortiz Franklin spoke about partnerships with local schools and said she looked forward to students performing on the new stage.
Ceremony and next steps: Officials concluded the program with a ceremonial ribbon cutting; city staff invited residents to make use of the new spaces and promoted upcoming events, including the Cajun and Blues White Linen Affair. City leaders encouraged attendees to share the venue on social media and to use the amphitheater for weddings, community concerts and cultural programming.
The ribbon cutting was ceremonial only; no formal legislative or budget action was taken at the event. City staff noted the amphitheater is part of a wider civic campus redevelopment that city leaders said would continue to roll out over the coming months and years.
