Compounding Comfort

DESERT DELIGHT: A nighttime VIP function takes place at “The Compound” at Acrisure Arena. (Tara Howard photo)

Artist Area at Acrisure Arena Takes on VIP Role

A little more than a year after opening, Oak View Group’s Acrisure Arena in the greater Palm Springs area is making wider use of what was originally meant as an uber-comfortable space for artists and their production crews.

The Compound, as it’s known, is described as a “backyard playground just steps away from the action on stage,” and it has become a space not just for artists but as a VIP space for groups and individuals looking for something extra.

“The vision of ownership to create something for the artists to really take advantage of the weather, be outside looking at the mountains; it’s something that no other venue has,” said John Page, senior vice president of Acrisure Arena and the (AHL) Coachella Valley Firebirds. “Between the pickleball court, half-court basketball, bocce ball, mini golf, the bar, just the whole look and feel is something that was, for the most part, going to be dedicated to artists use. And then, as we’ve gotten into it, certain artists will take complete advantage of that, and use it for VIP functions or some other functionality. And then for some, we use it during the day for production staff to come out.”

When Lizzo played the arena, her production crew were offered manicures and pedicures.

“We’ve added haircuts, for the for the touring personnel, because a lot of times, they’re just grinding on the road, and don’t have an opportunity to get their hair cut or get a manicure/pedicure,” Page said. “It’s really proven to be a tremendous multipurpose space.”

Page said Acrisure’s use of the space has “pivoted a little bit to really monetize the space and granting access.”

“A lot of that started at the beginning of the hockey season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds where we really started to push the sale and usage of that facility for groups, private events, other things, and it’s really paid off,” he said.

The space is even used during family shows at the arena.

Located adjacent to the facility’s UBS South Premium Entrance, the Compound now serves a dual role as an exclusive add-on for concertgoers and sports fans and is available for large parties, team building or meetings as well as for group buy-outs.

There’s a full bar and room for about 200 guests, with private food options available. For VIP uses, the area remains open up to 30 minutes before a concert ends or at the start of the third period of a Firebirds game.

Tarah Kelly is handling group sales at the arena.

The Compound is also available for individual Acrisure Arena events and can be purchased as an add-on in advance when buying an event ticketThe price varies by event with the food and beverage component either complimentary or for purchase.

“Anytime you build a building and open it up, you always think you know what everything’s going to be used for and how it’s going to operate,” Page said. “It doesn’t always necessarily work out the way you thought. This is a flexible space, and it allows everybody the opportunity to decide how best to utilize it.”

Page said plans are for a sponsor to put its name on the compound.

Editor’s note: Oak View Group is the parent company of VenuesNow.