LONG BEACH, Calif.— Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center has completed a $33 million, three-phase infrastructure and sustainability project, including a rooftop solar installation that feeds clean energy into the city’s power grid.
The final phase of the project—the installation of 5,355 solar panels—is now operational, generating an estimated 4.6 to 4.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually. At full capacity, the system is expected to produce enough energy to power approximately 700 homes each year.
The project began in the third quarter of 2025 with the replacement of more than 566,000 square feet of roofing using a Cool Roof system designed to improve insulation, prevent leaks, and reduce structural weight. In December 2025, the facility installed 32 new air-handling units—its first HVAC upgrade in 35 years—increasing efficiency by 20% to 25%.
The combined upgrades are expected to significantly reduce the venue’s overall energy consumption while contributing renewable energy to the municipal grid.
“This $33 million infrastructure transformation at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center demonstrates our city’s unwavering commitment to environmental leadership and fiscal responsibility,” says Mayor Rex Richardson. “By modernizing this iconic waterfront facility with cutting-edge HVAC systems and transforming our roof into a solar power plant, we’re not only reducing operational costs for taxpayers but also generating clean energy that powers hundreds of Long Beach homes. This project exemplifies how we can upgrade our public assets to serve today’s needs while building a more sustainable future for generations of Long Beach residents.”
The convention center is managed by Legends Global, whose executives said the project reflects broader industry efforts to modernize facilities while meeting environmental goals. “The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center has always been a cornerstone venue in our portfolio, and this infrastructure transformation reinforces our commitment to sustainable venue operations across North America,” says Josh Kritzler, president, North American venues & content for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Projects like this demonstrate how our venues can partner with municipalities to modernize older facilities while simultaneously advancing environmental goals. The combination of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy generation sets a benchmark for the entire industry, proving that convention centers can be both operationally excellent and environmentally responsible.”
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center hosts hundreds of events annually, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, conventions, and entertainment productions.
“This project represents a transformative moment for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center,” says Robert Smit, general manager of the LBCEC for Legends Global. “By replacing critical infrastructure that has served us for decades and adding a substantial solar installation, we’re not just modernizing the facility; we’re establishing a new operational standard for convention centers nationwide. Guests will benefit from improved climate control and reliability, while the City of Long Beach gains a venue that actively contributes clean energy back to the community. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for generations.”
