City of Bakersfield, ASM Global, and Dignity Health Announce Collaboration
(BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Feb. 12, 2025) — The City of Bakersfield,
California and Dignity Health announced expanded naming rights
partnership for one of the region’s most prominent venues. Originally
known as Centennial Garden and most recently as Mechanics Bank Arena,
Theater and Convention Center, the downtown complex, will be rebranded as
Dignity Health Arena, Theater, and Convention Center next month.
An official unveiling of the newly renamed venue is scheduled for
mid-March 2025.
“Partnering with Dignity Health to rename our city’s entertainment
and events complex reflects a shared commitment to community well-being
and growth,” said Christian Clegg, city manager. “This new chapter
signals a step forward in fostering connections and opportunities for
everyone who calls this place home.”
Dignity Health, Kern County’s leading healthcare system, has been a
valued community partner for decades. This 11–year investment shows
Dignity Health’s commitment to the growing needs of the community.
This partnership will be a vital part of improving public health
education, including health fairs and prevention screenings.
“As we expand our partnership in Bakersfield, Dignity Health is proud to
be part of a shared vision that not only brings major concerts and
events to our community but also creates a space for local gatherings
and moments that belong to every member of Kern County,” added B.J.
Predum, Central Valley market president, Dignity Health. “This is more
than a venue — it’s a symbol of our commitment to honoring and
uplifting the community we serve.”
Managed by ASM Global, Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention
Center features a 10,000-capacity arena, 3,000-seat theater and
17,840-square-foot convention center. The venue will continue to host
concerts, performances, sporting events, and community events annually.
The arena has attracted top artists to its stage, such as Elton John,
Zach Bryan, Peso Pluma, Chris Stapleton, Gabriel Iglesias and Jelly Roll
and is home to the American Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors and
host of the California Interscholastic Federation’s State High School
Wrestling Championships.
The complex has also recently hosted several community events and
programs, including the United Farm Workers National Convention;
California Forward State Economic Summit; California Math Teacher’s
Annual Conference; Bakersfield Recycles Day; job shadowing with local
students from Kern High School District and multiple junior high, high
school and college graduations.
“We are thrilled to expand our longstanding partnership with Dignity
Health, which has been a valued corporate sponsor and suite holder at
the arena for years,” said Adam Miller, general manager of Mechanics
Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center for ASM Global. “Now, as
they take on the naming rights, this partnership further solidifies our
shared commitment to Bakersfield. We look forward to working even more
closely with Dignity Health to create unforgettable experiences for our
guests and continue positively impacting our community.”
About Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center
Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center, owned by the City
of Bakersfield and managed by ASM Global, is Bakersfield’s home for
live entertainment. Home of the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, Mechanics
Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center hosts concerts, family shows,
community activities, and many other events throughout the year. To see
the excitement, visit https://www.
About Dignity Health
Dignity Health is a multistate nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians,
more than 60,000 employees, 39 acute care hospitals and 400-plus
care centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and
imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics in Arizona,
California and Nevada. Dignity Health is dedicated to providing
compassionate, high-quality, affordable, patient-centered care with
special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is part of
CommonSpirit Health is a nonprofit health system committed to advancing
health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. For more
information, please visit our website at www.DignityHealth.org [2].
About ASM Global
Award-winning ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and
full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for
driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network
spans five continents, featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the
world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition
center,s and performing arts venues. asmglobal.com [3]
