About Us

Welcome to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, your one-stop-shop for all things LIVE in Downtown Long Beach, CA!

Discover the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Welcome to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, a historic cornerstone of Downtown Long Beach, California, that has been captivating audiences since 1962. Our versatile complex, featuring the Long Beach Convention Center, Arena, Pacific Ballroom, Terrace Theater, Beverly O’Neill Theater, and Event Lot, has been the stage for iconic moments in entertainment history.

Our venues cater to a wide range of events, from grand performances in the Terrace Theater accommodating up to 3,000 patrons, to intimate gatherings in the modern Pacific Ballroom. We're more than just an entertainment hub; we're also home to the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra and the International City Theater, fostering a rich cultural scene within our walls.

Moreover, as the proud host of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach since 1975, we bring the exhilaration of high-speed racing to our visitors. Over the years, legendary performers, including Elvis Presley and Amy Schumer, have graced our stages, leaving indelible memories for event-goers. The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center remains a beacon of entertainment, culture, and history, continuing to create lasting impressions for generations to come.


Terrace Theater: Where Comedy Greatness Met Richard Pryor

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center proudly boasts the iconic Terrace Theater, a venue that holds a special place in the hearts of comedians and comedy enthusiasts alike. This theater gained legendary status when the trailblazing Richard Pryor chose it as the location for his groundbreaking comedy special. In 1983, Pryor filmed his famous "Richard Pryor: Here and Now" comedy special right here in Long Beach. This special marked a pivotal moment in comedy history, as Pryor fearlessly tackled social issues and pushed the boundaries of humor. His electrifying performance added another layer of history to our already storied venue, making it a hallowed space for comedic brilliance. Just as Richard Pryor left an indelible mark on comedy, the Terrace Theater continues to be a stage for excellence in entertainment, drawing both established and up-and-coming comedians to its historic stage, ensuring that the laughter echoes through its walls for generations to come.

Read more about his iconic special here.