Image credit: YouTube

YouTube has announced its first naming rights deal and confirmed the opening of the YouTube Theater.

In a first for YouTube, the video streaming giant is putting its name on a  new 6,000 seat music venue opening at Hollywood Park, the sports and entertainment area in Inglewood, California. 

The multi-year agreement announcement also came with a list of confirmed shows starting in early September. Construction of the building is due to be finished this summer, with an official opening planned for mid-summer. 

Speaking on the YouTube Theater, Angela Courtin, VP Brand Marketing at YouTube said: “YouTube Theater will drive the uniqueness of YouTube by combining physical, ‘in real life’ events that bring creators and fans together, while simultaneously sharing that same event experience with our two billion global monthly users through livestreams and VOD content.” Adding: “YouTube creators and artists are the heart of YouTube and YouTube Theater adds to the portfolio of opportunities to drive their creativity, build their businesses, grow their communities and so much more.”

A following statement from Jason Gannon, Managing Director of the Hollywood Park said: “When he set out to build YouTube Theater, Stan Kroenke envisioned an intimate, world-class venue that exemplified three core aspects: technology, creativity, and entertainment. We cannot imagine a better partner to help us bring this vision to life than YouTube.” Continuing: “YouTube Theater will be open to the public this summer as Los Angeles’ new home for esports, community gatherings, concerts, and all types of live entertainment. YouTube Theater is the next step for Hollywood Park as we develop and deliver on creating a true sports and entertainment destination across our 300 acres.”

The YouTube Theater is set to be a home for a variety of live entertainment events, not just exclusively live music. Hollywood Park has also inked an exclusive multi-year booking agreement with Live Nation, who have confirmed that artists such as Pitbull, Black Pumas, Devo, and many more will play throughout 2021 and 2022. 

This is a big and exciting move by YouTube that should bring all the variety that its website holds to a physical space. Get ready to see plenty of live music, eSports, and more at this state-of-the-art space.