Dignity Health Strengthens Commitment to Community With Bakersfield Arena, Theater and Convention Center Partnership

City of Bakersfield, ASM Global and Dignity Health Announce Collaboration

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The City of Bakersfield, California, and Dignity Health announced an 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 making a positive impact in 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.mechanicsbankarena.com/.

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, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, 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.

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 centers and performing arts venues. asmglobal.com