Site Report from The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood
Director, Special Events & Family Entertainment.
In a nutshell: the re-invented Forum deserves the media hype it received.
Eagles' Glenn Frey exclaimed: “The Forum is the best sounding large building anywhere in the world. Take my word for it, we’ve played them all.”
It also offers exquisite event space possibilities that allow us to create a VIP Experience of any size!
The legendary Forum Club serves as special entrance for private and corporate events. It's a VIP Experience from the first moment onward as this area has special parking privileges and street access.
Painting and maintenance crews were hard at work inside and outside of the new hall that reopened in January 2014.
Jill Przelenski: "We don't allow any wear and tear. Paint, carpets, furnishings - everything gets lots of attention and is constantly updated." Forum Red, inspired by the California Sunset, a registered custom Pantone color, permeates every aspect of the hall.
We especially love the fact that The Madison Square Garden Company honors this iconic space in Los Angeles sports and music history. The mid-century modern exterior was beautifully restored and matched inside. This venue has history - and you feel it!
Jill: "I am an Inglewood native and have many wonderful memories at the Forum. And it dawned on me that almost every visitor has special memories attached to this sacred place. Whether it be a first concert ever, or a sporting event, someone has a special life moment here every night!"
Brynne Price was thrilled to get "this close" to JT! "I have seen Justin Timberlake's tour here twice! It was amazing!"
Jill: "I am an Inglewood native and have many wonderful memories at the Forum. And it dawned on me that almost every visitor has special memories attached to this sacred place. Whether it be a first concert ever, or a sporting event, someone has a special life moment here every night!"
Brynne Price was thrilled to get "this close" to JT! "I have seen Justin Timberlake's tour here twice! It was amazing!"
We have seen many rock arenas but none so stylish! The Forum wants to make sure the stars feel at home. The green rooms have every amenity a five star hotel suite would offer. The Forum has its own workout gym and hi-speed wifi. Event production companies will be accommodated with work rooms and office space inside as well, thus eliminating the need for trailer rentals. Nikki Wilbur fancies the fluffy white pillows!
Event ideas abound! We first entered the Forum Club which can handle a large variety of event styles. Have your Cocktail Reception here, prior to a concert. The beverage concessionaire is in-house. However, food catering is usually handled by Levy Restaurant but could be contracted out. Levy offers a different menu every night on site.
Jerry Buss's private suite - formerly used by the late Lakers owner to entertain his own VIPs - offers the possibility of setting up anything from photo ops to a media meet&greet suite to a VVIP space.
"The Bull" - the arena itself has a built-in drapery system that allows MSG to use the space as an event floor for nearly any size event or conference. Capacities for events on the floor range from 500-1200. Events utilizing the entire venue bowl can range in size from 8,000-17,500.
Jill: "I also love the ramp space that leads from the loading dock to the stage entrance. Every band that has played this hall has come down that walkway! All the names are written on the walls, including the number of times they have appeared here. It's a fabulous space with a real rock'n roll feel for a pre-event reception."
The Tech Sheet:
"Architecturally, the interior of the bowl is completely modernized to provide seating for 17,500 and can be converted to a half bowl to seat 8,000, enabling the venue to attract a wide variety of events. The arena has been updated with state-of-the-art, technically advanced support systems featuring a unique “sky deck” to facilitate rigging the largest touring concerts, productions and events. In addition to completely refurbished concourses, fans will enjoy approximately 8,000 square feet of new event level hospitality offerings, including food and beverage, merchandise and bathrooms. A tinted glass wall will separate this concession area from the arena floor; ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the performance. Two exclusive spaces for the Forum VIP customers will include the historic Forum Club and the new Chase Lounge.
Among the key features that have been restored in an effort to replicate the original design principle is the exterior color of the venue, which has been repainted to the 1960s “California sunset red.” The revitalization of the 40,000 square foot outdoor terrace surrounding the perimeter of the building offers upgraded food and beverage amenities to elevate the guest experience"
So Jill, what is your favorite memory?
"Oh, I love my job! I get to see so many great events. I am real Foo Fighters fan and just got to see them this past January. But the VMAs we held last year were really special. It was an amazing production we are truly proud of!"
Janet: "I have been in Los Angeles for over three decades and some of my best memories were made here. Furthermore I really love the fact that The Fabulous Forum has retained its iconic L.A. Rock'n Roll look and style. It's a special space that guests will remember!
Jill signs her emails with a greeting that is so appropriate:
Cheers and Champagne!
Janet
Photo Credits:
Photo credit for the exterior / outside photos: Paul Hebert / Forum Photos
Photo credit for the "Starry Night" photo: Rebecca Taylor / MSG Photos
Photo credit for the Cal's Crowd-stage: Cal Aurand / Forum Photos
All site visit photos:
Opening group shot: Anna-Lisa v. Heyking/EventWorks
Interior group shot, Brynne with JT shot and Red Wall backstage shot: Marion Renk-Rosenthal/EventWorks.
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