Russell Gordon
Vice President and General Manager | YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park
It’s always nice for a venue to reach a milestone: The first show, the 100th event or even the one-millionth guest, something YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, achieved in 2024. Without context, it may not seem like a major deal, but the fact that a 6,000-capacity theater achieved such a feat in only three years is remarkable and indicative of the robustness of the Los Angeles market.
How can a venue of that size see so much foot traffic since 2021? It’s all in the programming, and Russell Gordon, vice president and general manager of YouTube Theater at Hollywood Park, is leading the charge in hosting acts from all genres that cater to the eclectic LA crowd.
“(The milestone is) a true testament to our diverse programming and reach in the community,” Gordon said. “With exceptional acoustics, sightlines and premier amenities, along with the dedication of our hardworking team, we continue to meet guest demand and create memorable experiences.”
The venue also hosted six “Netflix is a Joke” comedy shows and esports events like Riot Games League Championship Series, drawing all kinds of fans. It’s no wonder the venue reached 1 million guests so quickly and has been a mainstay on Pollstar’s box office charts, reaching No. 17 on the magazine’s Q3 Worldwide Top 200 Theaters with $19,188,019 grossed. Drawing a diverse range of fans moves tickets and develops a connection between guests and the venue.
“With more influential artists touring and diversity of race, gender identity, sexual orientation and ability, we are committed to being an inclusive venue that welcomes guests and employees from all walks of life,” Gordon said. “We foster a supportive environment, accommodating a wide range of cultural needs and preferences. Additionally, sustainability and climate action are important commitments for us. While we strive to get better every day, every department is tasked to find meaningful solutions that contribute to the future of the planet.”
The development of relationships extends to artists, who Gordon is always looking to make feel just as welcome and heard. It’s surely a reason Metallica, which played two sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium earlier this year, returned to Inglewood to host its charity event at YouTube Theater this December.
“I’m continuously enriching our backstage areas and VIP hospitality to ensure talent and their teams feel motivated and comfortable and can focus on putting on a great show for the fans,” Gordon said. “This year, we unveiled our ‘Wall of Icons’ to recognize event and artist milestones that contribute to the legacy of our venue. This is what Hollywood Park was built for — being able to support artists at all levels, bring the community together and curate memorable experiences.” — Oscar Areliz
