OVG ARENA HEADS TO PALM DESERT

Oak View Group's sports and entertainment arena envisioned for downtown Palm Springs has been moved deeper into Riverside County and will now be built near the city of Palm Desert.

The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and Oak View Group have struck a deal to open the 10,000-seat arena on private land owned by the foundation.

It will be the home of the Seattle Kraken’s American Hockey League team and will include an adjoining facility that will serve as a year-round community gathering space and the training center for the AHL team.

“We look forward to working with all stakeholders in doing everything possible at the county level to be helpful and supportive,” said Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor, V. Manuel Perez. “Along with county staff from the Transportation & Land Management Agency, my office has been in discussions with the visionaries of the project to bring world-class hockey to the region. Our hope is that this project becomes a reality for our Coachella Valley region, which will also have a positive quality of life impact for the entire county.”

The arena was originally to be located on 16 acres of tribal land in downtown Palm Springs that belonged to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

“After more than a year of good faith negotiations we were unable to finalize an agreement with the Agua Caliente tribal leaders for OVG to lease, develop and operate the privately funded arena,” said OVG CEO Tim Leiweke. “We appreciate the ongoing support and encouragement from the community and are very pleased to be partnering with the Berger Foundation who share our vision for creating a world-class venue for the Coachella Valley and what will be one of the most premier music and professional sports arenas in the world.”

Live Nation will continue to work as a strategic partner and supply the new arena with concerts.

OVG co-founder and La Quinta resident Irving Azoff said, “The venue will be a major must-play destination for top talent and be the ultimate fan-friendly showcase for both valley’s sports and entertainment attendees. Plus bands that play here can get a nice spread from Nate ‘n Al’s no matter what’s in their rider.”