August 28, 2019
The City of El Cajon and Live Nation Entertainment have re-imagined the space that was previously East County Performing Arts Center, which opened in 1977 and has been shuttered since 2009. The Magnolia will be a 1,210-seat concert hall with a completely refurbished lobby bar serving craft beer and cocktails, a brand new VIP Lounge, plush front row seating, updated guest amenities and elevator access to the upper level seating. As part of the renovation of the space, guests can expect to enjoy events of all kinds, including use of an ample outdoor plaza. The Magnolia venue will showcase different events all year-long. Los Angeles-based DLS Events will oversee the food and beverage components at the venue.
"This is a special moment for not only El Cajon but the entire San Diego region," said City Manager Graham Mitchell. "The completely renovated Magnolia represents another jewel in the continued growth of the entire region. Its Magnolia’s look, feel and vibrancy – ranging from extra wide rows to more legroom in the venue, to a VIP lounge and new bars combined with some of the best sightlines and entertainment experiences match any building anywhere in the country."
Magnolia joins Live Nation’s global portfolio of over 1,700 clubs and theaters and complements the company’s existing landmark venues across Southern California in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, including The Observatory in North Park, House of Blues nightclub and Chula Vista’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Live Nation - which will operate, market and book The Magnolia under a 5 year contract - anticipates attracting a wide-variety of acts appealing to a diverse group of audiences from throughout the region. The Magnolia aims to host 50 concerts and shows in its first year to increase to 65 in following years.
