Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre (formerly known as Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre between 2000 and 2014) was an amphitheatre, located in Irvine, California. The amphitheatre was built in 1980 by Irvine Meadows Partnerhsip and opened in 1981. The amphitheatre was the largest in Orange County, with the seating capacity of 16,085. It was designed by architect Gin Wong Associates of Los Angeles and was built on a hillside so the seats have a steep slope toward the stage. The venue was operated by Live Nation and owned by Irvine Company.
Due to the lease not being renewed, in 2016, the amphitheatre was closed and demolition started in November of the same year. The Irvine Company chose to build a 3,700-unit housing development on the site. As a result, in 2017, Live Nation and FivePoint built a temporary amphitheatre at the Orange County Great Park named FivePoint Amphitheater for a limited term of 3 years.
Musical artists who have performed at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre include Michael Jackson, Tangerine Dream, Rush, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Miley Cyrus, Fall Out Boy, Ozzy Ozbourne (who recorded a performance called Speak of the Devil), and more. Festivals that took place on the site include Area2 Festival, Uproar Festival, Lollapalooza, KROQ Weenie Roast Y Fiesta, and more. In 2016, Bernie Sanders hosted a rally at the venue. Gwen Stefani was the last performer for the amphitheatre before it was demolished.
Muse appearances
- 2015-05-16 (KROQ Weenie Roast Y Fiesta)
- 2007-09-21
Venue address
Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
8808 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618