General Information
NFT Map: 57
Address: 100 Universal City Plz
Universal City, CA 91608
Box Office: 818-622-4440
Ticketmaster: 213-252-8497
Website: www.citywalkhollywood.com/concerts.php
Overview
You may not see it at first blush, but the lengthily titled Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk has a pretty rich history. It was originally an outdoor stunt stage for Universal Studios, then it was turned into an outdoor amphitheater hosting the likes of the Grateful Dead and Frank Sinatra before getting a roof in 1982, then a name change and new decor.
After all of that, the 6,000-seat Gibson stands as a medium-sized venue for medium-sized bands (either on their way to stardom or on their way, uh, down). In other words, this is the best place to catch everything from a packaged metal or reggaeton tour to any band that “VH1 Classic Presents” would get behind (think The O’Jays to Ringo Starr). The best thing about the place? Location, location, location. The adjoining Universal CityWalk is bigger than ever, offering plenty of places to eat and drink beforehand, making that whole dinner-and-a-show thing all the easier.
How to Get There—Driving
The Gibson Amphitheatre is located right outside the gates of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, just off the 101 Freeway. If you are coming from the north, take the 101 S and exit at Lankershim Boulevard. Turn left onto Cahuenga Boulevard and make a left onto Universal Center Drive. From there, head up the hill to the parking facilities. From the south, take the 101 N and exit at Universal Center Drive. Turn right at the first traffic light and drive up the hill to the parking facilities.
Parking
General parking at Universal CityWalk is $15 before 3 pm and $10 thereafter, while preferred parking ranges from $20-$25. Validated valet parking costs $3 for the first hour, $8 for the first 90 minutes, and $3 per half hour thereafter. Without validation, valet parking is $14 for the first half hour and $3 for each half hour after that. Restaurants at Universal CityWalk provide validation for parking, but concession stands inside the Amphitheatre do not. Or, park for free at the Kiss & Ride lot adjacent to the Metro Red Line. Walk across the street from the subway station and get on the free shuttle up the hill to CityWalk, the theme park and Amphitheatre. Make sure to note what time the last shuttle leaves!
How to Get There—Mass Transit
The Universal City Metro Red Line stop is located just across Lankershim Boulevard from the Universal Studios entrance. If you cross the street from the subway station, the free shuttle mentioned above will take you up the hill to CityWalk, the theme park and Amphitheatre.
MTA buses 96, 150, 152, 156, 166, 240, and 750 also run to the Universal City Station.
How to Get Tickets
You can call the box office hotline at 818-622-4440 to hear what shows are playing. Tickets for most events are available through Ticketmaster, the Gibson Amphitheatre Main box office, or the CityWalk box office. The Gibson box office is open Thurs-Mon, 1 pm to 9pm and is closed Tues-Wed. The Universal CityWalk box office is open Sun-Thurs, 1 pm to 8:45 pm and Fri-Sat, from 1 pm to 10:30 pm.