Irvine’s plans for a state-of-the-art, 14,000-seat, Live Nation amphitheater have hit a serious note, with Live Nation requesting to make alterations to the Design, Construction and Operation Agreement.

Now, at its Feb. 14 meeting the Irvine Council will discuss the possibility of decreasing the size of the amphitheater altogether.

The project, estimated to cost $130 million, is set to be located inside the Great Park, and received approval in Sept. However, since then Irvine has indicated that Live Nation requested changes to the original operation agreement.

A staff report reviewed by Irvine Weekly indicates that alterations requested by Live Nation would, “shift significant increased costs and amphitheater design responsibilities to the city,” and, “introduce additional revenue streams for Live Nation.”

Other areas impacted by Live Nation’s changes include Irvine’s ability to control noise pollution, an aspect of development that is already bothersome to Irvine residents near the city’s temporary Live Nation venue.

On Monday, Irvine Vice Mayor Tammy Kim said she was hesitant to jump to any conclusions regarding the proposed amphitheater project, or changes associated with the project at this point.

She added that the goal is to create a world class destination for performers — and concert goers. In that sense, size matters, when considering the markets where talent opts to perform.

“I’d love to see a 14,000 seat amphitheater, but if that’s not in the cards, and they’re not willing to do noise mitigation, and we need to reduce the size, then I’m willing to reduce, as long as the seat amounts still make sense to have it be a viable attraction for bands and talent actually want to come – in what is actually a secondary market to L.A.”

In an effort to mitigate these changes brought forth by Live Nation’s requests, Irvine will discuss decreasing the size of the venue by about 40%, bringing the total capacity between 6,000 and 8,000 seats.

However, it is unclear if Live Nation would agree to a reduction of that magnitude.

“At the end of the day, Live Nation is the biggest concert promoter – obviously you cannot be in the business of entertainment if you don’t have sponsorships with a promoter. We would be open to anybody that would be good partners.”

In September, the council voted 4-1 in favor of the project. Then, council member Larry Agran, who voted against the development, expressed concern over the ability to control traffic in the area.

The original plan for the project would encompass approximately 25 acres within the Great Park’s newly approved framework, which includes a 75-acre botanical garden, a library and numerous water features across a total of 750 acres. The outdoor amphitheater will be positioned north of the Wild Rivers Waterpark.

This is a developing story.

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