Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre

Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre was a popular outdoor music venue located in Irvine, California, which hosted various events and concerts featuring famous artists such as The Beatles-inspired Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson. The amphitheatre was also a frequent stop for music festivals like Lollapalooza and Warped Tour, which showcased bands like Green Day, Weezer, and Blink-182. With a seating capacity of over 16,000, the venue was an ideal location for large-scale events, including performances by Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Rascal Flatts. The amphitheatre's proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego made it an attractive destination for fans of Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga.

● History

The amphitheatre was built in 1981 and was originally known as the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, with its first event featuring a performance by Linda Ronstadt. Over the years, the venue underwent several name changes, including Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre again, due to sponsorship deals with companies like Verizon Communications and Mountain Dew. The amphitheatre hosted a wide range of events, including concerts by Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and The Who, as well as festivals like Ozzfest and Mayhem Festival, which featured bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and Slipknot. The venue was also a popular spot for comedy shows, with performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Additionally, the amphitheatre hosted events featuring Cirque du Soleil, Disney on Ice, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

● Location and Design

The amphitheatre was situated in the heart of Orange County, California, near the University of California, Irvine and the Irvine Spectrum Center. The venue's design featured a large outdoor amphitheatre with a lawn area and a pavilion with reserved seating, similar to other outdoor venues like Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The amphitheatre's location allowed for easy access from nearby cities like Santa Ana, California, Newport Beach, California, and Huntington Beach, California, making it a popular destination for fans of Sublime, No Doubt, and The Offspring. The venue's design also included a number of amenities, such as concession stands and restrooms, which were similar to those found at other venues like Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium.

● Notable Events

The amphitheatre hosted many notable events over the years, including performances by AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Van Halen. The venue was also a popular spot for music festivals, with events like Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival featuring artists like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson. In addition, the amphitheatre hosted a number of benefit concerts, including events featuring Bono, The Edge, and Jay-Z, which raised money for organizations like Red Cross and UNICEF. The venue also hosted events featuring Phish, Dave Matthews Band, and Widespread Panic, which were popular among fans of jam bands.

● Closure and Legacy

The amphitheatre closed its doors in 2016, after 35 years of operation, due to the expiration of its lease with the Irvine Company. The venue's closure was met with sadness from fans and performers alike, with many taking to social media to express their gratitude for the memories made at the amphitheatre. The venue's legacy lives on, with many of the artists who performed there going on to achieve great success, including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Ariana Grande. The amphitheatre's impact on the music industry can also be seen in the success of festivals like Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and Austin City Limits Music Festival, which feature a wide range of artists and genres.

● Replacement Venue

The FivePoint Amphitheatre was built on the site of the former Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, with its first event featuring a performance by Jimmy Buffett. The new venue features a similar design to the old amphitheatre, with a large outdoor stage and a lawn area, as well as a number of amenities like concession stands and restrooms. The FivePoint Amphitheatre has already hosted a number of notable events, including performances by The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, and Death Cab for Cutie, and is expected to become a popular destination for music fans in Southern California, along with other venues like The Forum and Hollywood Bowl. The new venue has also hosted events featuring Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban, which were popular among fans of country music.