Live entertainment options expand with opening of Acrisure Arena, bringing 11,000 seats to Palm Desert

Now emerging desert metropolises from Palm Desert to Coachella continue to offer residents and visitors new options for spending their time and money. What was once a sprawling stretch of sand now attracts those seeking warm weather, great dining and shopping options, golf, hiking, polo and an ever-expanding selection of live entertainment.

December 14^day, 2022 Oak View Group will open Acrisure Arena. The project brings to life a low-level arena full of VIP options. They had a strong opening, first with Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock opening the building, before quickly moving on to acts like The Doobie Brothers, Paramore, and a show by Grupo Firme co-founder Isael Gutierrez sold out the Latin market immediately.

Acrisure is an interesting project because the area is generally known for being slow in summer when temperatures are often above 100 degrees and can go up to 120 degrees. Couple that with the desert’s historical pattern as a weekend destination, rather than in summer and winter, giving the impression that half the year there might only be arena-level demand.

I chatted with Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke via video. Leiweke has an impeccable track record in live entertainment, having headed Anshutz Entertainment Group (AEG), one of the largest live entertainment companies in the world from 1996 to 2013. Those were the years when AEG created the Coachella music festival in the region. He then led Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns sports teams and commercial properties including entertainment venues. In late 2015, Leiweke partnered with Irving Azoff to create Oak View Group, which is becoming a significant owner and developer of entertainment venues.

Oak View Group has been creative in the way it structures its portfolio. Leiweke has deep industry knowledge and a background in real estate to understand how to tailor a project that others may consider too risky. Acrisure Arena is built on a model that breaks away from the second floor of traditional buildings.

There are theoretically two benefits: First, construction costs are reduced when buildings don’t have to be built to support the second story. Second, this stage focuses on creating an intimate connection between the audience and the performers. The scale of the building keeps seating close together, the project’s rationale is to provide a high-touch environment conducive to attracting a free-spending crowd. That lines up well with the spending patterns of weekend crowds visiting the area for shopping, music festivals and luxury hotel stays.

Leiweke has partnered with Stand Together and its CEO, Brian Hooks, as Acrisure Arena’s exclusive social impact partner to ensure arena-related community benefits. “Few musics can unite people. The arena built by Oak View Group in Palm Springs uses the power of music to unite fans, artists and athletes with some of the most effective groups in the country on the issues that matter most to them Make an impact,” said Brian Hooks, Stand Together Chairman and CEO.

“As an exclusive social impact partner, Stand Together is committed to working with musicians, Firebirds and community members to deliver solutions that change the way our country addresses issues that hold people back. From improving our criminal justice system, to helping those Someone battling addiction, making sure kids get the education that’s right for them, or helping make sure everyone has a chance at a good job – Acrisure Arena is a place where people come together to tackle big issues. We’re excited to participate.”

Revick is a big shot. He knows his market and what to say to spark enthusiasm for the projects Oak View is developing. He’s the kind of guy who will spend an afternoon describing a project in detail, but it feels like you’re taken behind the ropes and given the privilege of knowing all the details. I sensed that the time continuum was disrupted when he started rolling. This is how great leaders lead by inspiration, not by spreading fear.

Acrisure is Oak View’s third wholly owned and operated venue. It is the model of the future: innovation, quality and finding unmet needs.This new arena will open on December 14th^day. It will run for decades. I left the conversation with Leiweke feeling relieved about Acrisure. We’re about to start the long run with the music of the night.