Long Beach City College Celebrates Grand Opening of Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center

$102 Million Facility Honors Music Icon and LBCC Alumna, Elevates Arts Education

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Long Beach City College (LBCC) and the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the new $102 million Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art complex named in honor of the Latin music icon and LBCC alumna. The facility now serves as the home for LBCC's Performing Arts, Music, Dance, and Radio/TV/Broadcasting programs.

Why it matters

The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center represents a significant investment in arts education and honoring the legacy of one of LBCC's most famous alumni. It provides world-class facilities for students to train and perform, while also serving as a community hub that celebrates Jenni Rivera's influence on Latin music and culture.

The details

The 67,331-square-foot complex includes a 263-seat auditorium, a 'black box' multipurpose performance space, dance and rehearsal studios, broadcast studios, and an outdoor performance stage. The facility was funded by local voters, the State of California, and a generous donation from the Jenni Rivera estate. It was designed to meet LEED Silver certification standards.

  • Construction began in July 2023.
  • The building officially opened for classes in the Spring 2026 semester.

The players

Uduak-Joe Ntuk

LBCC Board of Trustees President.

Dr. Mike Muñoz

LBCC Superintendent-President, whose vision led to approaching the Rivera family.

Jacqie Rivera

Representing the Rivera Family Estate.

Jenni Rivera

Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist and LBCC alumna, whose influence continues to inspire generations of students and the broader community.

Long Beach City College

A community college with two campuses and an enrollment of more than 35,000 students each semester.

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What they’re saying

“As we open the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, we celebrate a remarkable new facility, and the enduring legacy of an artist whose voice resonated far beyond the stage.”

— Uduak-Joe Ntuk, LBCC Board of Trustees President

“The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center represents possibility for every student who walks through its doors. Our students will now train and perform in spaces that reflect the modern standards of today's creative industries. Seeing Jenni Rivera's name on this center reinforces what we want every student to understand: their goals are achievable no matter where they start.”

— Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President

“The Jenni Rivera family is honored to see her name live on in a space that uplifts our culture and our community. This center is more than a building—it's a reminder to the next generation that their stories, their voices, and their dreams matter. We hope it inspires young artists to embrace who they are and carry our culture forward with pride.”

— Jacqie Rivera, Representing the Rivera Family Estate

The takeaway

The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center represents a significant investment in arts education and a lasting tribute to the legacy of one of LBCC's most famous alumni. By providing world-class facilities and honoring Jenni Rivera's influence, the center aims to inspire the next generation of artists and leaders in the community.