MESA, Ariz.— The City of Mesa has entered a five-year public-private partnership with Legends Global to manage Mesa Amphitheatre and Mesa Convention Center, bringing expanded venue operations, marketing, and booking expertise to the city’s downtown entertainment and meetings destinations.
Announced Oct. 15, the agreement places Legends Global in charge of operations, marketing, and strategy for both venues, while the city retains ownership. The partnership is expected to support facility improvements and position the venues to compete for larger concerts, conventions, and events throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Built in the late 1970s, Mesa Amphitheatre accommodates approximately 5,000 guests and has hosted concerts and community events for decades. Under the agreement, Legends Global will work with the city on a schedule of upgrades intended to improve revenue potential, service levels, and the experience for artists and attendees.
“Mesa Amphitheatre has a rich history of hosting unforgettable shows and city events, and the acts that have graced its stage over the years have left a lasting mark on this community,” says Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. “This public-private partnership builds on that legacy. By tapping into Legends Global’s relationships and operational expertise, we can bring more people to downtown Mesa and help elevate these venues while serving our community for years to come.”
Mesa Convention Center, the largest event venue in the East Valley, offers nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, including a 19,000-square-foot main exhibit hall, 26 breakout rooms, and 40,000 square feet of outdoor function space. The facility hosts more than 300 functions annually, including conventions, trade shows, banquets, and community gatherings.
Legends Global will apply its venue management experience to enhance services and the event experience at the convention center, complementing planned improvements at the amphitheatre and strengthening downtown Mesa’s appeal as a destination for meetings and events.
“Our goal is to expand the quantity, quality, and diversity of the entertainment we bring to Mesa, which speaks to all segments of the Mesa community,” says Josh Kritzler, president of North American venues & content at Legends Global. “We want residents and the broader region to feel a sense of connection to and pride in both the convention center and the amphitheatre. The region has a lot of positive momentum, which is energizing, and we are confident in our ability to be a key partner in achieving the vision for the city, its residents and visitors.”
The partnership gives Mesa access to Legends Global’s network of venues and its expertise in content development and booking, with the goal of attracting more high-profile performers and events to the amphitheatre. The agreement also supports the City of Mesa’s broader efforts to develop downtown as an arts, entertainment, and innovation destination, connecting visitors with local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Legends Global manages more than 250 venues in North America, including State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Moscone Center in San Francisco, and the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
