Internationally Acclaimed Company Will Secure Talent and Sponsors and Provide Day-to-Day Theatre Management
PALM SPRINGS, CA (February 13, 2024) – The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced that Oak View Group (OVG), the owners and operators of Acrisure Arena, Southern California’s newest 11,000-capacity world-class venue in Greater Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL’s 32nd franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, has entered into a partnership agreement in which OVG will provide day-to-day management of the historic theatre and secure programming and new sponsorship opportunities. Construction on the theatre will commence in March 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2025.
“This agreement between the City, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, and the Oak View Group is an economic game-changer for the Palm Springs destination,” said Scott Stiles, Palm Springs City Manager. “The restoration of the historic Plaza Theatre is a major milestone in the Downtown Revitalization Plan and will bring the world’s best artists and culture to our revitalized downtown. The City of Palm Springs and the Plaza Theatre Foundation offer our sincere thanks to the Oak View Group for their investment in this historic theatre which is now primed to become an arts and culture mecca for residents and visitors for generations to come.”
“All of us at Oak View Group are thrilled to partner with the Plaza Theatre Foundation and its dedicated group of Board of Directors. We look forward to bringing the full breadth and scope of OVG to the table to make this City of Palm Springs asset shine and become a huge community and cultural asset in downtown Palm Springs,” said John Bolton, Senior Vice President, Oak View Group.
“Last year, Oakview Group committed to an unprecedented donation of $1 million to the restoration of the Plaza Theatre,” said Kevin J. Corcoran, Vice President of the Plaza Theatre Foundation. “We have been impressed with the launch of the Acrisure Arena and the programming, sponsorship, and management expertise they have brought to the very successful first year of operation. We are deeply grateful that they will generously waive all management fees, which is another example of their continuing generosity and commitment to our success. We could not ask for a more skilled and committed partner.”
The agreement provides the City of Palm Springs with a total of 21 days annually to offer public programming at the discretion of the City Council. This programming would include the annual State of the City address, cultural and civic programs, and more.
“Oak View Group is internationally admired for their management of significant sporting, convention, arts, and entertainment venues,” said Foundation President J.R. Roberts. “We are delighted to have this strong community partner further commit to working with us to provide the expertise that this theatre needs to be a successful economic force in Palm Springs. We are especially thrilled to be working with Palm Springs resident and Oak View Group senior vice president John Bolton on this exciting collaboration. We are delighted that John has agreed to join our hard-working board of directors.”
During the pre-opening period of the theatre restoration, OVG will work with the Foundation to make recommendations about the design, develop and recommend a proposed inventory including items relating to food and beverage services, create a food and beverage budget and menu concepts, and hire and train staff.
After the theatre opens, OVG will manage all aspects of the theatre, including booking and promoting events at the theatre, including the highest quality concerts, chamber orchestra performances, film festivals, community meetings, conventions, cabaret performances, booked acts, lectures, music festivals, ideas festivals, children’s programming, charity and fundraising events, and other theater performances and events. They will also pursue and secure corporate sponsorship to further support the Theatre.
The Foundation is continuing to raise funds to fully restore the Plaza Theatre, one of the most iconic venues in Palm Springs. The Foundation has already raised more than $15M but must raise at least $10M more to cover the construction costs and contingencies plus startup expenses. These needed funds will help restore the building to its original splendor and update it to meet the access, technology, and equity needs of today and tomorrow. There are many exciting naming opportunities still available, including a special theatre naming option for a single $10 million donor.
When restored, the Plaza Theatre will be a place for the entire community to come together and utilize it as an affordable community venue showcasing diverse programming for all people, local youth organizations, promoting multicultural programming in film, music, live theater, education, comedy, and entertainment for all. It will also support and serve nonprofit organizations such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival, ONE-PS, Modernism Week, and many others.
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About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG’s mission is to be a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries. OVG is world-renowned as the leading full-service live entertainment and hospitality group, with 10 major new arenas either open or under development including: Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY; Moody Center in Austin, TX; Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, CA; and CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD; as well as arena development projects for Co-op Live in Manchester, UK; Anhembi Arena in São Paulo, Brazil; FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, ON; a New Arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV; and a New Arena in Cardiff, Wales. OVG360 is a full-service venue management, hospitality solutions, and venue services company servicing more than 400 arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, culture institutions, and convention centers worldwide. More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About Acrisure Arena
America’s hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 14, 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all of the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility will serve as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is being 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About the Coachella Valley Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the AHL’s 32nd Franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. The team is set to play its inaugural season in 2022-2023 at the Acrisure Arena. Visit www.cvfirebirds.com for the latest news and information.
About the Plaza Theatre Restoration Project
The Palm Springs Plaza Theater Foundation is a non-profit Foundation made up of an all-volunteer board led by former Palm Springs City Councilmember J.R. Roberts. It is running a capital campaign to fund the restoration of one of its most iconic buildings – the historic Plaza Theatre.
Originally built in 1936, the building was used for film premieres and screenings, nationally broadcast radio theatre programs, and other performances. In its later years, the theater was home to the long-running “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” Over the decades, the building has deteriorated, so the City of Palm Springs has initiated a capital campaign to restore the beloved structure to its former glory.
The comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation plan will provide essential infrastructure repairs, installation of new theatrical equipment, and structural improvements to ensure that the building meets today’s fire prevention and American Disabilities Act mandates. This historic theatre has played an impressive role in Palm Springs much like the Radio City Music Hall has in New York. When the restoration is complete, the Plaza Theatre will be poised to continue to provide the city and its visitors with top-notch entertainment for years to come.
The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation Board of Directors includes: President – J.R. Roberts, Vice President – Kevin J. Corcoran, Treasurer – Mark Hamilton, Secretary – Rick Vila, Carol Adney, Judith Blanchard, Don Cecil, David Lee, Alan DeZon, Daniel Gibby, Teddy Grouya, Ronald G. Olson, Brian Ray, Cindra Stolk, Kathy Weremiuk, and Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein – Liaison to the Palm Springs City Council.
There are many ways in which the public may play a significant role in the Plaza Theatre restoration, including becoming a Founder, securing a Naming Opportunity for seats or other areas of the building, or making a general donation. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information or to make a donation please visit SaveThePlazaTheatrePS.org or contact Foundation President J.R. Roberts at 415-297-9309.