VenuesNow (12/15/22)

Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, was inaugurated on Dec. 14 with a sold-out Chris Rock/Dave Chappelle show. The $300 million arena was privately financed by Oak View Group, Live Nation and the National Hockey League's Seattle Kraken. Acrisure seats about 11,000 people for concerts and 10,000 for hockey, with unique elements that reflect the desert climate. The building is no more than 60 feet above grade at its highest point, rather than 100 feet at most arenas. "The design complements the natural environment," said general manager John Bolton of the building's low profile, which generates less wind resistance. Unlike new midsize arenas, Acrisure sports no center-hung videoboard, and instead features a Daktronics flat screen in the west end and a ribbon board ringing the lower bowl. An outdoor artist and crew compound is sited the west side next to the green rooms, while a catering kitchen and dining area extends to lounge seating, shade/shelter, a firepit, bocce ball and a putt-putt course. "We think it sets us apart from other arenas nationwide," Bolton said. "We're trying to take advantage of the beautiful landscape that's all around us and, for most of the year, pretty nice weather, though not in August."

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