PALM SPRINGS, CA (October 23, 2023) – Today, Acrisure Arena, the newest world-class venue in Southern California, together with the arena's exclusive social impact partner Stand Together, a philanthropic community that tackles the root causes of our country's biggest problems, announced the launch of an elevated non-alcoholic beverage program, part of the 1 Million Strong initiative. Set for release during Sober October, a month-long challenge where people completely abstain from alcohol, and just ahead of the holiday season, the program will ensure that Acrisure Arena, which is owned by Oak View Group (OVG), is a space that welcomes all fans — those consuming alcohol, those in recovery, and those who are simply making the choice not to drink. To start, the program will roll out in Acrisure Arena's Premium Spaces, and expand throughout the entire building timed to Dry January.
"Launching the 1 Million Strong initiative at Acrisure Arena with Stand Together is a lifesaving way we can extend support to the sober community within our building," said John Page, Senior Vice President, Acrisure Arena, AHL Team & OVG360 Facilities. "Providing more hand-crafted non-alcoholic alternatives and health-conscious libations, that are as equally complex and flavorful as traditional alcoholic cocktails, can help guests, who are in recovery or committed to a zero-proof lifestyle, maintain sobriety while still enjoying concerts and sporting events. We're proud to be a part of this growing movement."
1 Million Strong is an impact initiative that's working to unite the music and entertainment industry, artists, and fans to create inclusive sober spaces, encourage open conversations about addiction, and offer support for recovery. It is a partnership between The Phoenix, Stand Together Music, and Stand Together Foundation. As the exclusive social impact partner, Stand Together works with Acrisure Arena to create a space to support activations that give musicians, fans, and members of the community an opportunity to make a difference on some of the country's biggest challenges.
Offering a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic beverages as an option at the venue is another step towards fulfilling this promise of a welcoming space. Being the first permanent venue location for a 1 Million Strong mocktail program, the move encourages a supportive environment for those in recovery while standing as an example for allies who wish to create similar environments in other spaces. In the year since its inception, 1 Million Strong has been activated at music festivals and events around the country, building momentum for a more sober-inclusive society and shifting the narrative around recovery and sobriety from one of stigma to strength.
"Stand Together is proud to partner with Oak View Group in support of the 1 Million Strong movement to help empower those who have struggled with addiction," said Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together. "We're creating inclusive environments that help those in recovery realize their potential and contribute in the lives of others. Music is a powerful way to amplify these efforts and Acrisure Arena is leading the way. When music helps strengthen communities of support, we can help bring out the best in everyone."
Acrisure Arena is a first of its kind in the greater Palm Springs area. Annually, Acrisure Arena attracts more than one million visitors bringing year-round entertainment to the region, hosting sports, music, and family events. Acrisure Arena's partnership with Live Nation, the world's largest event promoter, serves as a world-class venue providing rehearsal space for artists launching major tours, a new routing model servicing the music needs on the West Coast, and the next major destination for artist residencies – competing head-to-head with Las Vegas. Additionally, it is the home of the Seattle Kraken's American Hockey League (AHL) team, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and includes the adjoining Berger Foundation Iceplex that serves as a year-round community gathering space and the training center for the AHL team.
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About Acrisure Arena
America's hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 14, 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all of the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility will serve as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is being 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is a global sports and entertainment company founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015. OVG is focused on being a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment, and hospitality industries and currently has eight divisions across five global offices (Los Angeles, New York, London, Philadelphia, and Toronto). OVG is world-renowned as the leading full-service live entertainment and hospitality group, with 11 major new arenas either open or under development including Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center; UBS Arena in Belmont Park, NY; Moody Center in Austin, TX; Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, CA; and CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD; as well as arena development projects for Co-op Live in Manchester, UK; Anhembi Arena in São Paulo, Brazil; FirstOntario Centre Arena in Hamilton, ON; a New Arena and entertainment district in Las Vegas, NV; a New Arena in Cardiff, Wales; and Vienna, Austria. OVG360 is a full-service venue management, hospitality solutions, and venue services company servicing more than 400 arenas, stadiums, performing arts centers, culture institutions, and convention centers worldwide. More information at OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
About Stand Together
Stand Together is a philanthropic community that tackles the root causes of our country's biggest problems. Alongside inspiring partners, we drive solutions on education, economic opportunity, health care, bridging partisan divides, and dozens of other pressing issues. We can all make a greater difference by uniting on areas of common ground than we can by acting on our own. Learn more at www.standtogether.org. Join us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
