The Forum is fabulous once more, as MSG’s revival of the classic Los Angeles-area arena has captured a significant chunk of Southern California’s concert business.
Now owned by Madison Square Garden Co., the Forum is now the busiest concert venue in greater Los Angeles, hosting 20 events in the first half of 2016, or 36% of all concert events in the region. By comparison, Staples Center does half that amount on the concert front. But, of course, Staples Center does have a slightly different business model that relies on Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Kings home games. The Forum, on the other hand, hosts no sporting events — just concerts and other special events. From the Los Angeles Times:
“We’re overwhelmed with the success,” said veteran music manager Irving Azoff, who worked closely with New York-based MSG on its $100-million renovation of the Forum. “We’re really excited about how it’s been sought after for everything.”
The concert giant bought the Forum in 2012 from Faithful Central Bible Church. It reopened in January 2014 with the Eagles as its first act. So far this year, it has held concerts by Rihanna, Black Sabbath and David Gilmour.
The company is trying to keep the momentum going during the rest of the year with a series of multi-night engagements, having booked rapper Kanye West for four shows in the fall and comedian Louis C.K. for two concerts this summer.
MSG bought the Forum from Faithful Central Bible Church in 2012 for $25 million and invested $100 million more in renovations. It seats 17,500.
RELATED STORIES: MSG in process of buying the Fabulous Forum