After thirty-five long and historic years, the curtain is finally set to close on the Irvine amphitheatre. After this incredible season of musical performances, the theatre is set to close once and for all this upcoming Fall. Over the years, the theatre has been host to some of the biggest names in pop, rock, and country music, including Michael Jackson, Oingo Boingo, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Dylan, and Orange County’s own No Doubt. Moreover, it has hosted many historic festivals including Go Fest and Lollapalooza.

The lease on the theatre is set to expire early next year and the ground is projected to be leveled just days after the final concert concludes. According to the LA Times, the 60-acre parking lot is planned to be reconstructed into the second Phase of the Los Olivos residential development project. The first part of the reconstruction consists of the stage being taken down, and all the seats and fellow accessories being replaced. With this remodeling, the new apartments will take the place of the historic amphitheatre and all that comes with it. In later plans, the thousands of seats in which the theatre holds will allow for a community center to be placed inside the apartment complexes. This will allow for more parks and maybe even a private school to be constructed.

In an interview with the LA Times, the Irvine Co. stated, “This parcel of land was always meant to transition to a more-permanent use.” They also stated in an email, “In 2006, we worked with the city and community on a land-use plan for this area that would ensure the city’s long-term economic health.” This act will also contribute housing close to the Irvine Spectrum and surrounding businesses. With the theatre being taken down, many local and famous performers will be looking for a new home to perform their concerts. Performers including Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, and Gwen Stefani, who have performed at the theatre for many years, are among the many superstars affected by the closure of the historic theatre.

Alyssa Garcia (12) is among one of the many heartbroken fans to hear about the closure of the theatre, and stated “After the many concerts I have seen at the Irvine Meadows Ampitheatre, I have created long lasting memories and have been able to grow in my love for music.” Gone are the wild animals and waterslides, and soon the stage; however, the memories and long lasting music that has been created over the three decades the theatre has been open will never cease to fade away.