As vaccinations roll out, creators are beginning to host “in real life” (IRL) events again. At the same time, YouTube’s new LA venue, YouTube Theater, is just about done with construction. Once completed, the venue will be open to creators and their IRL events.
The venue itself looks impressive. Originally the Hollywood Park Racetrack, the YouTube Theater is located in Inglewood, CA. It’s a 227,000-square-foot, three-story venue with over 6,000-seats — ready to accommodate many fans in an intimate space. The stage itself is 6,100-square-feet and leads to a 1,200-square-foot backstage. To top it all off, creators and special guests have access to a 3,500-square-foot private club with 140 premium seats.
It’s a venue for creators
While the building itself is impressive, the value of the YouTube Theater lies in the support it provides to creators. Though the venue will occasionally feature various events and acts, YouTube says it’s for creators to use. According to YouTube, the venue will allow creators and businesses to build their brand awareness.
What’s most intriguing is the venue’s livestreaming capabilities. YouTube seems to recognize many creators would like to stream their events to the rest of their audience. So, it appears YouTube’s designed the venue keeping livestreams and VOD content in mind.
What does this mean for the future of IRL?
The YouTube Theater is a unique venue in that it gives creators a space to deliver high-production IRL events. While creators’ IRL events have gone on for years now, this is the first YouTube-owned venue for creators. It’s also a venue ready for livestreaming if creators wish to do so. Likely, some of YouTube’s top creators will soon host their own events there. We’re looking forward to seeing what creators can do with the venue.