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Committee explores amphitheater models and sites; public speaker urges site visits
Summary
The committee reviewed venue models for a potential San Clemente amphitheater, discussed site constraints and capacity trade-offs, and heard public comment urging field trips to compare sites such as Bella Colina. Staff described the effort as research-focused; no formal site decision or funding approval was made.
Committee members presented research on comparables and site considerations as part of an initial feasibility discussion for a potential San Clemente amphitheater or performing-arts facility.
Members cited models ranging from smaller independent outdoor venues to much larger temporary and permanent venues. One subcommittee member described a comparable with "496 fixed seats" plus a front standing area that could bring total capacity to roughly 600 for certain events. The Irvine Great Park temporary venue (about 5,000 seats) and its planned permanent venue (described in the discussion as 8,000–10,000 seats, reduced from an earlier 15,000-seat plan) were raised as examples of larger models and the logistical trade-offs they entail.
Staff warned capacity will depend on site-specific constraints such as parking and noise: "It will depend on what piece of property is being considered because there may be impacts... parking or noise, things like that. That's gonna drive the total volume and capacity of any site," Samantha said. Members agreed the committee is in a research phase that should produce budget estimates and a shortlist of candidate sites before any final recommendations.
A public commenter, Amanda, urged the committee to do field visits and referenced prior citizen committee work. She suggested looking at Bella Colina and a La Quinta site to evaluate grade, accessibility and existing infrastructure; committee members and staff discussed pros and cons of potential sites and whether temporary or pop-up models might better fit local constraints.
No formal motion to select a site or to adopt city funding for a venue was recorded. The committee tasked subcommittees with continuing site research, refining budget forecasts and returning with more detailed options at a future meeting.
