Sorry music fans, Harry Potter needs the room. After 40 years, the Gibson Amphitheater -- the venue formerly known as the Universal Amphitheatre -- is set to close. And it's a shame. It's still one of the best places to see a concert in all of L.A., as there's not a bad seat in the house, even in the back.
But Universal will tear the building down after its last show in September in order to make room for a new Harry Potter-themed attraction. Here are the details:
Starting in late summer, NBCUniversal will begin construction of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, as well as new and upgraded television production facilities, office space and infrastructure on the Universal Studios lot. These projects represent a nearly $500 million investment in the Los Angeles economy and the creation of more than 2,000 construction jobs alone.The Universal Amphitheatre first opened as an open-air venue in 1972, but was covered in 1982. News that the Gibson might shut down first leaked in 2011, but today's announcement makes it official.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be a fully immersive experience for the entire family designed to bring the Harry Potter fiction and films to life with impeccable detail and authenticity. Similar to the dynamic Universal Orlando Resort themed land that opened in 2010, the Hollywood experience will be faithful to the visual landscape of the fiction and films, including Hogwarts castle that will serve as the centerpiece of the impressively themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts.
I'm guessing the Gibson/Universal is the biggest venue in L.A. to be torn down since the Shubert Theatre was erased from Century City.
3 comments:
So sad that the Universal Amphitheatre is closing. I've seen many concerts there over the years from Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam to the B-52s and Ozzy. It will be missed!
I guess MSG had better get a move on rehabbing The Forum in Inglewood.
This is more than just sad to me. Theres a group of Baby Boomers that grew up with it in the Valley, like me, who have seen too many shows to count there. My 2nd concert ever with my dad was Heart when it was still open air and never missed Oingo Boingo Halloween show.The list is pretty long...
So they are trading my wonderful memories for... WHAT - Harry Potter... sorry but thats completely disproportionate. I honestly cannot think of another place in the Valley they could tear down that would be as heart-breaking (though close).
Oh... and its name will always be JUST the Universal Amphitheater.
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