Author: Ryan Schroder

Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, today announced record-breaking merchandise sales for Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. This includes merchandise revenue at Levi’s Stadium, Super Bowl Experience, hotels, storefronts, and pop-up locations throughout San Francisco. Overall merchandise sales saw a 22% increase over Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans and surpassed the previous record at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas by 12%. The average transactional value for Super Bowl LX sales increased by 9% compared to last year. Merchandise per cap for Super Bowl LX also set a new record (for a non-COVID year), up 16% over the previous high set at Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.

NFL Shop presented by Visa at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, which was open Sunday through Saturday this year, outperformed the previous year by 16%.

Super Bowl LX game day merchandise sales at Levi’s Stadium saw a 26% increase over last year. There were 11 merchandise locations inside Levi’s Stadium and 5 portable retail locations outside the stadium. The stadium featured a self-checkout solution for fans where the average transaction time was 35 seconds.

“We’re incredibly proud to have partnered with the NFL to deliver record-breaking sales for Super Bowl LX. Surpassing our previous records by double digits is a testament to our commitment to raising the bar for the fan experience through innovation and strategic execution,” said Mike Quirk, Chief Commercial Officer of Merchandise, Legends Global. “From the flagship NFL Shop at Moscone Center to game day at Levi’s Stadium, we curated a diverse mix of products that truly resonated with fans while ensuring a seamless shopping environment.”

Legends Global had more than 350 employees in the San Francisco Bay Area, leveraging resources from across the country, working to provide a first-class experience for fans across all Super Bowl merchandise operations. The NFL Shop at the Super Bowl Experience was open for seven days from Sunday, February 1 through Saturday, February 7 and covered 27,000 square feet. The store offered the largest collection of Super Bowl merchandise anywhere, with 830 styles available for fans of all ages, including offerings from more than 35 different licensees. In addition to the main NFL Shop, there were three additional storefronts, two mobile shops, pop-ups hosted by STARTER and ’47 Brand and 24 hotels carrying merchandise, all operated by Legends Global.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Scot Tucker

Partnership builds on BEST Crowd Management’s existing work at Legends Global venues including Barclays Center and U.S. Bank Stadium

BEST Crowd Management (“BEST”), a GardaWorld company and leading provider of crowd management and event security services, today announced a national partnership with Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Under this new agreement, BEST is named the premier partner for crowd management and event security services for Legends Global’s network of North American venues which includes more than 250 arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers.

BEST Crowd Management is already active at 14 Legends Global venues – including Colorado Convention Center, Minneapolis’ Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium, and New York’s Barclays Center – and the company looks forward to providing services at additional Legends Global venues in the future.

“BEST Crowd Management is proud to partner with Legends Global and to be recognized as their premier partner for crowd management and event security services,” said Jeff Spoerndle, Chief Operating Officer at BEST Crowd Management.

“As we continue to collaborate at venues nationwide, BEST is committed to supporting Legends Global’s vision of delivering truly remarkable experiences, grounded in best-in-class customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism. With extensive experience across stadiums, arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, and marquee venues, our team looks forward to continuing to work alongside Legends Global to ensure every attendee’s experience is secure and exceptional.”

“We are always looking for ways to strengthen safety measures and enhance the live experience for fans and staff across our venues,” said Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Senior Vice President of Managed Venues Partnerships, Legends Global. “Integrating BEST more deeply into our portfolio brings greater operational consistency, national reach, and a proven standard of excellence. Their expertise in security staffing solutions helps ensure our venues are well prepared to deliver seamless, well-coordinated events.”

The partnership underscores BEST’s unmatched ability to deliver large‑scale, high‑quality security staffing and guest experience services across a diverse portfolio of venue types for events including professional sports, major touring concerts, fan festivals, corporate conventions, esports competitions, and large‑scale civic gatherings.

BEST offers its 25,000+ employees flexible schedules, ongoing training, and career growth opportunities. The company employs its own training program designed by security and customer service experts to help employees develop the skills necessary to advance their careers in the event industry and beyond. To learn more or join the BEST team visit: best.garda.com.

South Bend’s 100,000-Square-Foot Meeting and Event Venue Renews Ties with Global Venue Management Firm

Visit South Bend Mishawaka and Legends Global today announced a contract renewal extending Legends Global’s management of Century Center, the downtown South Bend convention and events facility. The two-year agreement began January 1, 2026, and includes an option for a one-year extension.

The renewal reflects a shared commitment to operational consistency and to maximizing Century Center’s portfolio of indoor and outdoor event spaces as it competes in the regional and national meetings marketplace.

“Our contract renewal represents more than continuity. It signals renewed energy and a bold, forward-facing sales strategy focused on delivering results,” said Rebekah Love, general manager of Century Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “With Visit South Bend Mishawaka leading sales efforts, Century Center is positioned to attract higher-impact business and increase visitation. The momentum generated through this partnership will drive meaningful economic impact, and our community will feel the positive shift as new opportunities, activity, and growth take hold.”

Located along the St. Joseph River in downtown South Bend, Century Center offers a flexible event footprint designed to accommodate conventions, exhibitions, live performances, and community gatherings of varying scale. The facility features a 25,000-square-foot exhibit hall, the 12,000-square-foot Discovery Ballroom divisible into two sections, and the 16,640-square-foot Great Hall, overlooking the river ideal for banquets, receptions, and general sessions.

Additional amenities include 15 meeting rooms and two onsite theaters, the 600-seat Bendix Arena and the 166-seat Recital Hall. Century Center also offers a distinctive outdoor event component through Island Park and its adjacent pavilion with stunning views of the St. Joseph River, providing planners with the ability to incorporate open-air programming into their events.

Under the renewed agreement, Legends Global will continue to deliver comprehensive facility management services, with a focus on operational execution, client service, and close alignment with Visit South Bend Mishawaka’s destination sales strategy.

“Century Center brings together flexible space and distinctive indoor-outdoor assets that resonate with today’s meeting planners,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president, convention centers, for Legends Global.  “This renewed agreement allows us to continue our operational focus while leveraging the building’s versatility to help event organizers achieve strong attendance, engagement, and overall event performance.”

The renewed partnership positions Century Center to build on existing momentum while adapting to evolving planner expectations, production requirements, and attendee experience standards across the meetings and events industry.

Five-Year Renewal Expands Partnership to Include Food and Beverage Operations

Legends Global and Experience Rochester today announced a contract renewal that extends Legends Global’s management and operations of the Mayo Civic Center for an additional five years, along with a new five-year agreement for food and beverage services. The renewal includes a five-year option for both venue management and F&B operations.

The expanded agreement builds on a successful partnership and positions the Mayo Civic Center for continued growth, enhanced guest experiences, and innovative culinary offerings that reinforce the center’s role as a premier meetings and events destination in the Upper Midwest.

“We’re proud of the results achieved through the collaboration between Legends Global, Experience Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center team, and the City of Rochester,” said Craig Barkdull, general manager of the Mayo Civic Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “With Legends’ expanded scope, we’re focused on maximizing event activity, elevating live entertainment and meetings programming, and delivering consistently exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.”

Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center offers more than 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space, including Minnesota’s largest ballroom, which can seat more than 2,000 guests banquet-style. The facility also features 23 breakout rooms, a full banquet production kitchen, expansive pre-function spaces with views of the Zumbro River and downtown Rochester, and Riverfront Plaza, an outdoor reception venue.

“Mayo Civic Center plays a critical role in Rochester’s economy and downtown vitality,” said Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center. “Partnering with Legends Global allows us to enhance venue operations and food and beverage service in a way that benefits our clients, guests, and community. Together, we’re focused on the next chapter of growth for Mayo Civic Center.”

Under the renewed management agreement, Legends Global will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of Mayo Civic Center, with an emphasis on operational excellence, client service, and community impact. Integrating food and beverage services under Legends Global further aligns venue operations, creating efficiencies while enhancing the overall event experience for planners, exhibitors, and attendees.

“The Mayo Civic Center is a high-performing facility with a strong reputation in the meetings and events industry,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers, Legends Global. “By expanding our partnership to include food and beverage operations, we’re able to take a more holistic approach to the guest experience—combining operational expertise, culinary innovation, and service consistency to support the center’s continued success.”

Designed to meet the sophisticated production, audiovisual, and wireless requirements of today’s meeting planners, Mayo Civic Center can accommodate multiple large-scale events simultaneously. An expansion completed in 2017 significantly enhanced the center’s ability to host medical and technical conferences, large business meetings, and healthcare summits that align with Rochester’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and healthcare.

Kritzler to Lead Venue Operations, Content, and Booking Across North American Network

Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced today that Josh Kritzler has been appointed President, North American Venues & Content. In this role, Kritzler will oversee the company’s portfolio of North American arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers and lead venue operations, content, and booking across the network.

 “As we continue to build Legends Global into the premier partner for the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, Josh’s leadership is a natural fit,” said Dan Levy, CEO of Legends Global. “He brings an entrepreneurial mindset, deep operational experience, and a strong commercial perspective. His ability to connect strategy, content, and execution will help us better serve our partners and continue raising the bar across our North American venue network.”

Added Kritzler: “I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our teams to bring even greater alignment across content, commercial strategy, and operations. With the most powerful venue network in North America, we’re well-positioned to deliver exciting content that brings people together and creates memorable experiences for our guests.”

Kritzler has played a key role in the company’s evolution since joining four years ago. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff, supporting enterprise-wide strategy and playing a central role in the Legends-ASM Global integration. In 2025, he also assumed responsibility for content strategy. Prior to Legends Global, Kritzler was Co-Founder and Partner of 4FRONT, a global data, analytics, innovation, and digital media agency acquired by Legends Global in early 2022. Founded in 2007, he grew 4FRONT from a startup into a multi-office organization serving sports and entertainment clients worldwide.

Legends Global boasts a network of more than 250 venues in North America, including top stadiums such as Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and Soldier Field in Chicago; leading arenas such as Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, and Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico; prominent theaters such as The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Altria Theater in Richmond, and Coca-Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico; and local economic-driving convention centers such as Moscone Center in San Francisco, Colorado Convention Center in Denver, and Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, among many other venues. 

10-year agreement includes on-site retail, e-commerce and official uniforms

The National Hot Rod Association and Legends Global today announced a 10-year extension of their longstanding merchandise partnership. Under the extended agreement, Legends Global will continue to manage on-site merchandise sales at all NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series events, oversee e-commerce for NitroMall.com and serve as the Official Uniform Partner of NHRA.

“We’re thrilled to extend our merchandising partnership with Legends Global and continue delivering an awesome Nitro Mall experience to our fans, especially during our 75th anniversary season in 2026,” NHRA Senior Vice President Evan Jonat said. “Legends Global has been an outstanding partner for so many years, and we look forward to building on that throughout this milestone season. We’re excited to debut new touches and items to Nitro Mall during NHRA’s 75th season, providing an amazing opportunity for our fans to connect with our teams and drivers while taking home a piece of NHRA history.”

A cornerstone of the fan experience at each event is the Nitro Mall, a 5,000 square foot walk-in retail store that travels to every NHRA race stop. Beginning in 2026, the Nitro Mall will debut a refreshed look featuring new fixtures, updated tent skins, enhanced flooring and bold new signage. Each event will continue to offer a wide-range of merchandise, including event-specific items and official NHRA and driver-branded products.

The partnership extension coincides with a landmark moment for the sport as 2026 marks NHRA’s 75^th anniversary season. To commemorate the historic occasion, NHRA and Legends Global have introduced a special anniversary merchandise collection designed to celebrate the legacy of drag racing. The company produces a majority of NHRA-branded products at their Indianapolis, Indiana facility.

“As NHRA celebrates its 75^th season, we’re honored to continue our longtime partnership and build on its incredible legacy,” said Mike Quirk, Chief Commercial Officer of Merchandise, Legends Global. “We’re energized to keep moving forward through the next 10 years and bringing fresh ideas, new products and exceptional merchandise that becomes part of fans’ memories for years to come.”

The NHRA’s merchandise history dates back to 1963, when founder Wally Parks partnered with friend and Sport Service founder Chick Shaffel to sell t-shirts at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. What began with Saffell driving a station wagon from California and selling out of every shirt has evolved into one of the longest-standing partnerships in professional sports, with Sport Service – later known as MainGate and acquired by Legends Global in 2019 – exclusively managing NHRA merchandise at every national event for more than six decades.

Renewal Builds on a Record-Breaking Year and Supports Major Expansion

The Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) and Legends Global today announced a five-year contract renewal extending Legends Global’s management of the Albany Capital Center (ACC) through December 31, 2030. Legends Global has managed the facility since 2015, two years before the venue’s official opening in 2017.

The renewal follows a standout year for the Albany Capital Center and comes as the venue prepares for a transformative expansion that will significantly increase its capacity and flexibility for conventions, meetings, and events.

“The Albany Capital Center has quickly become a cornerstone of downtown Albany’s meetings and events landscape,” said Monica Kurzejeski, executive director and CEO of the Albany Convention Center Authority. “This renewal reflects our confidence in Legends Global’s leadership and their ability to guide the facility through its next chapter of growth.”

In October 2025, the ACCA broke ground on a $54.9 million expansion of the Albany Capital Center, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, coinciding with the venue’s 10-year anniversary. The expanded facility will offer 84,000 square feet of total event space and introduce five new meeting rooms, two new ballrooms, and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor event courtyard with views of the Albany skyline.

“I want to thank the Albany Convention Center Authority for its unwavering support of the Legends Global team since day one,” said Shannon Licygiewicz, CEM, general manager of the Albany Capital Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “What makes this journey so special is the strength of our partnership that’s built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for what the Albany Capital Center can be. Under Monica’s leadership, the commitment and passion behind this project have been extraordinary. With this continued momentum, the future of the Albany Capital Center isn’t just bright—it’s poised for remarkable growth.”

In 2025, the Albany Capital Center welcomed more than 115,000 attendees, the highest annual attendance total in its eight-year history. Since opening its doors in 2017, the ACC has hosted more than 1,250 events, attracting over 680,000 visitors to Albany. Those events generated an estimated $106 million in new visitor spending and contributed more than 150,000 hotel room nights to the Capital Region economy.

“The Albany Capital Center has demonstrated consistent performance, strong community engagement, and clear growth potential,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers, Legends Global.  “As the facility enters this exciting expansion phase, our focus is on scaling operations, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring the center continues to exceed expectations for event organizers, attendees, and the broader Capital Region.”

The partnership between the UK’s most visited cultural attraction and the premier global venues and hospitality group marks the continued growth of the Outernet brand

The news marks Legends Global’s latest London addition, as its network in the capital continues to grow at pace

Outernet London, the media and entertainment district and the UK’s most visited cultural attraction today announces a new partnership with Legends Global – the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Through this landmark new partnership, Legends Global will bring its industry-leading expertise in venue management services, including operations, programming, premium sales, partnerships and food & beverage to all Outernet venues. This includes the 2,000-capacity HERE, the largest venue to be built in central London since the 1940s and the grassroots venue The Lower Third. As well as the venues, Outernet boasts the most advanced screens in the world and comprises the flagship The Now Building with four-storey high floor-to-ceiling wraparound screens spanning 23,000 sq. feet. It is joined by Now Trending offering a more intimate digital canvas and numerous smaller pop-up spaces all with world-class screen technology.

Legends Global boasts a global network which encompasses more than 450 venues worldwide, hosting 20,000 events and entertainment events, entertaining over 165 million guests annually across sports, music, entertainment, attractions, conventions and leisure. Now, Legends Global further expands its London footprint, with Outernet joining the company’s network in the capital which includes Olympia London, Wembley Arena and Chelsea Football Club.

Together, Outernet London and Legends Global will join forces to deliver operational excellence to Outernet’s unique spaces, offering a guest experience which is exceptional at every moment. With a dedicated in-house programming team, Legends Global will offer support to Outernet, aiming to expand its musical offering even further and establishing a running program of diverse, must-see content. Legends Global’s dedicated sponsorship and partnership team will work with Outernet to unlock increased opportunities for brands to reach the huge Outernet audience which currently stands at over 80 million visitors per year as well as a social and earnt media reach of 1.5 billion. The agreement also includes premium sales strategy – and transforming the food and beverage offering for fans at every level.

Philip O’Ferrall, CEO Outernet said “The power of this partnership and the track record of Legends Global is unparalleled. As we go into the New Year and beyond, this is another huge leap forward for Outernet. We are only three years in, we are the most visited cultural attraction in the UK and, now with Legends as our partner, there is even greater opportunity to have real, lasting impact with brands and customers further enhancing data-led and highly interactive experiences.”

Chris Bray, President Europe at Legends Global said, “Outernet is forward-looking, brimming with innovation and full of opportunity. It provides a customer experience that is completely unique, bringing together the vast musical heritage of its surrounding area with new, cutting-edge technology – all in the heart of central London. At Legends Global, we proudly work with the world’s greatest venues, and this is no exception. The future is bright for Outernet and we’re incredibly pleased to be able to add value and be a part of the journey.”

On-Site Gameday Merchandise Sales Increased 18% Against Previous Record

On Monday, January 19, the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship saw record merchandise sales on-site at Hard Rock Stadium, host of the 2026 game. Compared with the previous record-setting 2024 CFP National Championship gameday in Houston, merchandise sales in Miami rose by 18%. Legends Global has managed omnichannel merchandise for the College Football Playoff since the 2021-22 season.

Leading up to gameday, the CFP Shop was located at Playoff Fan Central inside the Miami Beach Convention Center with additional shop activations at Lummus Park and key hotels throughout Miami. Fans had an enhanced shopping experience featuring fresh collections from Antigua, Aviator Nation and Axia Watches, shop-in-shop experiences from adidas, Blue 84, New Era, Nike, Retro Brands, Something Inked and 47 Brand as well as customization stations from New Era and Nike. RFID checkout lanes allowed fans to get in and out quickly with an average transaction time of just 26.2 seconds.

“This year’s CFP Shop was brought to life all across South Florida, stretching from downtown Miami to South Beach and Hollywood, culminating in a historic national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens,” said Mike Quirk, Chief Commercial Officer of Merchandise, Legends Global. “By working hand in hand with the CFP, our team was able to deliver a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for both local residents and traveling fans throughout the entire week.”

Top-selling items at the CFP Shop included national championship branded school-specific merchandise, match-up gear, a specially curated, limited-edition merchandise collaboration with global superstar Pitbull, Die Casts cars and Lusso luxury bags and jackets.

A portion of the proceeds from all CFP merchandise sales supports the work of the College Football Playoff Foundation, which assists PK-12 teachers nationwide. The CFP Foundation’s primary initiative, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to enhancing the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering educators in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and retention, and professional development—all aimed at preparing our nation’s students for success.

Legends Global’s fully-integrated retail and merchandising platform spans eCommerce, in-venue retail, large-scale live events, brick-and-mortar operations, licensing, and custom merchandise.

The City of Long Beach, in collaboration with Legends Global, today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Long Beach Amphitheater, a transformative project that will mark a new chapter for the city’s Downtown waterfront. The venue will redefine Long Beach’s entertainment landscape, welcoming musical talents and visitors from around the globe for a robust lineup of major concerts and events, community celebrations and private gatherings year-round.

“Development of the new amphitheater represents a powerful step forward in shaping Long Beach’s future as a global destination for arts, entertainment and economic opportunity,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Serving as a centerpiece of our Downtown waterfront, this investment will drive tourism, support local businesses and bring our community together through shared cultural experiences — further reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful growth and solidifying Long Beach as a premier city for live entertainment.”

To be situated near the Queen Mary and Harry Bridges Memorial Park, the venue will serve as the largest waterfront amphitheater on the west coast and is expected to host up to 40 concert-scale events annually. The project will feature grandstands, floor and box seats, a pit configuration and VIP sections, in addition to premium food and beverage concessions. As part of the City’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and sustainability, plans for a shuttle service and dedicated rideshare amenities will be implemented to enhance transportation options for attendees.

“The Long Beach Amphitheater is a forward-thinking investment in our city’s future, with the potential to generate meaningful, sustainable economic opportunity that directly benefits our community for years to come,” said First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. “This iconic venue will create something truly special for Long Beach, energizing our local economy and elevating the city’s profile to attract visitors from across the region and beyond.”

The $21 million project will be funded by the City’s Tidelands Funds Group. These expenses will be repaid to the Tidelands Funds through the venue’s projected net operating profit. Once operational, the amphitheater is expected to generate $2.5 to $3 million in net operating income annually, without reliance on taxpayer funding. The project will also generate additional economic impact, including tax revenue, parking revenue and new temporary and permanent jobs.

“This project signals a defining new chapter for Long Beach and our responsibility to plan boldly and intentionally for what comes next,” said City Manager Tom Modica. “It is about building an asset that enhances our waterfront, strengthens our city’s infrastructure for arts and entertainment and creates benefits that extend well beyond the venue itself. The excitement surrounding the amphitheater speaks to its potential to shape Long Beach’s future and deliver enduring value for our community.”

The venue and its proposed management model are key components of the City’s broader effort to position itself as a top-tier music, entertainment and tourism destination, an initiative outlined in the Mayor’s and City Council’s Grow Long Beach Initiative and central to the City’s upcoming Entertainment Strategic Plan. By leveraging Long Beach’s rich musical and entertainment history, the project will support the city’s growing tourism sector, help to bolster and diversify city revenues and create expanded economic opportunities for local, small businesses benefiting from increased visitor traffic.

Announced at today’s event, the Port of Long Beach will serve as the amphitheater’s first founding sponsor, providing $650,000 in annual funding over a five-year term to support venue branding, marketing, community engagement, activations and more.

“When you bring the right partners together, magic happens — and, in this case, music happens,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba. “We’re happy to collaborate with the City and Legends Global, and look forward to seeing the amphitheater come to life this year.”

In April 2025, the City announced the selection of Legends Global for the operation and management of the venue following a competitive request for proposal process led by the City’s Department of Economic Development & Opportunity in collaboration with the Office of Special Events and Filming. Legends Global operates more than 450 venues worldwide, including 13 amphitheaters that seat 5,000 to 20,000 guests. At its venues, it oversees 20,000 live events that welcome over 165 million guests each year. Legends Global will be responsible for providing a full range of services for the new facility for an initial five-year period, including managing daily operations, sales, marketing, event booking, guest services, food and beverage services, facility management, capital planning and more.

 “This amphitheater is the result of a true partnership with the City of Long Beach, built on a shared vision, trust, and a commitment to creating a landmark that reflects the community’s energy and feels authentically Long Beach,” said Executive Vice President of North American Venues, Legends Global Dan Hoffend. “Long Beach has a rich history in live entertainment, and we expect this venue to build on that legacy by bringing together today’s top artists and tomorrow’s rising stars to create unforgettable moments on the waterfront.”

Musical acts already confirmed for August and September 2026 include iconic rock band Mötley Crüe with special guests Tesla & Extreme; Grammy award-winning band TOTO with special guests; Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy award-winning musician Christopher Cross; Detroit-based rock band The Romantics; and heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch with special guests Cody Jinks and Eva Under Fire.

The Long Beach Amphitheater is set to open its doors in summer 2026. To learn more about the project and related waterfront development activity in Long Beach, those interested can visit longbeach.gov/waterfront. For booking and ticket information, the public can visit longbeachamp.com.

Olympia Events, part of Legends Global, and the team responsible for managing Olympia’s Heritage Halls alongside the new International Convention Centre and premium lounge launching in 2026, has brought food and beverage operations in-house. The news marks a significant move by the multi-venue complex and the premier live events company to create an unrivalled, elevated guest experience.

From 1 January 2026, the move will enable the team to deliver a distinctive, fresh and elevated approach to the culinary experience within its Heritage Halls, as well as the soon-to-open ICC and premium lounge, The Addison. The new in-house model, under Legends Global’s world-leading culinary and hospitality team, will support delivery of exceptional event experiences for organisers and guests.

Guests can enjoy a wide-ranging offering steeped in British provenance, using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of the move, there will be a complete refresh of the retail and catering units across The Grand and National Halls. From early January, visitors can expect a new line-up of premium dining concepts including Chicken Shack, It’s A Wrap, Bowl Me Over and London Kitchen. To further support this ambition, a new Executive Chef will be appointed in the coming months to lead and develop Olympia’s evolving food and beverage offer.

Rob Colegate, Food & Beverage Director, Olympia Events said: “Our top priority at Olympia is to enhance the customer experience at every touchpoint. Moving food and beverage in-house, under Legends Global, will help us achieve exactly that. This new in-house model allows us to further elevate our food and beverage offer, providing a broader range of high-quality and premium options for our customers across our Heritage Halls, new ICC and premium lounge, The Addison. It also gives us greater flexibility and creative control, ensuring our food and beverage experience continues to evolve in line with the scale, ambition and diversity of events hosted at Olympia.”

Stephen Cooper, SVP of Food & Beverage (Europe) at Legends Global said: “Legends Global’s expansion into the London market continues at pace and the addition of Olympia to the portfolio is something that we are very proud of. Its 2026 opening is going to be game changing for live events and entertainment in London, which means the culinary offering will be setting a new standard, too. We have a talented team, who I believe are the best in the business. They come with unmatched experience, real vision and exciting ideas to innovate and elevate. We’re incredibly excited to be part of bringing this project to life.”

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest venues, and a leader in venue hospitality and innovation in fan experience. Across Europe and the UK, the company partners with top-tier clubs and venues including Real Madrid CF, FC Porto, P&J Live, Wembley Arena and AO Arena. In addition, Legends Global oversees food and beverage operations at nine of the UK’s most prestigious racecourses, delivering premium hospitality on both race and non-race days.

Legends Global’s commitment to world-class food and beverage experiences is further demonstrated through its innovative partnerships, most recently announcing a multi-year agreement with Chelsea FC as official catering service provider at its Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow Stadiums, as well as bringing food and beverage operations in house at its iconic Wembley Arena.