Microsoft Theater
Front facade of the Microsoft Theater prior to name change | |
Former names | Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (2007-2015) |
---|---|
Location |
777 Chick Hearn Court Los Angeles, California |
Coordinates | 34°02′40″N 118°16′00″W / 34.04444°N 118.26667°WCoordinates: 34°02′40″N 118°16′00″W / 34.04444°N 118.26667°W |
Owner | Anschutz Entertainment Group |
Type | Indoor theater |
Seating type | Reserved |
Capacity | 7,100 |
Opened | October 18, 2007 |
The Microsoft Theater (formerly Nokia Theatre L.A. Live) is a music and theatre venue in downtown Los Angeles, California at L.A. Live. The theatre auditorium seats 7,100[1] and holds one of the largest indoor stages in the United States.[2]
History
The theatre was designed by ELS Architecture and Urban Design of Berkeley, California on a commission by the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) in 2002.[2] It opened on October 18, 2007 with six concerts featuring The Eagles and The Dixie Chicks.[1] In June 2015, the venue was re-branded as Microsoft Theater as part of a new naming rights deal with AEG Live.[3] Microsoft had acquired Nokia's mobile device business in 2014.[4] As part of the new naming rights deal, the L.A. Live plaza was also renamed Microsoft Square, and Microsoft will also perform a "technology refresh" of the facility, including new AV equipment and other enhancements.[5]
Events
Since its opening, the Microsoft Theater has been a popular venue for award shows. The theatre has hosted the ESPY Awards since 2008 as well as the American Music Awards since 2007. The venue has been the home to the Primetime Emmy Awards since 2008 and will continue to do so until at least 2018.[6] The Microsoft Theater hosted the MTV Video Music Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2015. In 2008 and 2011, the venue hosted The Grammy Nominations Live concert where the nominees for the Grammy Awards were announced. The Grammy Awards take place annually across the street at the Staples Center, but the pre-telecast ceremony, where 70 Grammy Awards are awarded prior to the evening show which is televised, is held at the Microsoft Theater. The Microsoft Theater has hosted the People's Choice Awards since 2010. It has also been used by Nintendo multiple times for press conferences during E3. It was also the venue for the finale of American Idol from seasons 7–13 as well as the 2015 Video Game Awards.
Vocaloid character Hatsune Miku made her US debut at Microsoft Theater on July 2, 2011, as part of Anime Expo.[7] She returned to the venue on October 11–12, 2014 as part of Miku Expo LA 2014.[8] Both concerts were sold out. Hatsune Miku will also be returning for another performance on May 6, 2016 as part of her first North American tour.[9] The 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions were held at the Microsoft Theater on April 18, 2013.[10] The BET Awards moved to the Microsoft Theater in 2013.[11] Since 2013, the Microsoft Theater has hosted the Radio Disney Music Awards.[12] The Microsoft Theater most recently hosted the 58th Annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony on February 15.[13]
References
- 1 2 "Nokia Theatre L.A. Live-About". Anschutz Entertainment Group. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
- 1 2 "Nokia Theatre". Architectural Record. Retrieved 2013-09-22.
- ↑ Brown, August (June 9, 2015). "L.A. Live's Nokia Theatre changes name to Microsoft Theater". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Trenholm, Rich (25 April 2014). "Microsoft closes Nokia deal, pays more than expected". CNET. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
- ↑ "Microsoft Takes Naming Rights to L.A.'s Nokia Theatre (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ↑ Associated Press (11 March 2008). "Emmys Will Move To New Venue". USA Today. Retrieved 13 July 2008.
- ↑ http://www.anime-expo.org/2011/05/12/japans-virtual-pop-star-hatsune-miku-to-make-u-s-concert-debut-at-anime-expo-2011/
- ↑ http://mikuexpo.com/la
- ↑ http://mikuexpo.com/na2016/
- ↑ 28th Annual Rock and Rock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- ↑ Gerrick D. Kennedy (30 June 2012). "BET Awards stage one more in the Shrine before going to L.A. Live". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- ↑ "Radio Disney Music Awards 2014: Full List Of Winners". Forbes. 2006-08-23. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
- ↑ "GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony Performers, Presenters Announced". The GRAMMYs. February 2, 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles. |
Preceded by Shrine Auditorium |
Venues of the Primetime Emmy Award 2008–present |
Succeeded by - |
Preceded by Shrine Auditorium |
Venues of the American Music Awards 2007–present |
Succeeded by - |
Preceded by Kodak Theatre |
Venues of the ESPY Awards 2008–present |
Succeeded by - |
Preceded by Kodak Theatre |
Venues of the American Idol Finale 2008–2014 |
Succeeded by Dolby Theatre |
Preceded by Radio City Music Hall |
Venues of the MTV Video Music Awards 2010–2011 |
Succeeded by Staples Center |
Preceded by Shrine Auditorium |
Venues of the People's Choice Awards 2010–present |
Succeeded by - |
Preceded by Radio Disney Studios |
Venues of the Radio Disney Music Awards 2013–present |
Succeeded by - |
Preceded by Shrine Auditorium |
Venues of the BET Awards 2013–present |
Succeeded by - |