The University of California San Diego has announced a $10 million gift from Daniel and Phyllis Epstein in support of an open-air amphitheater.

The 2,850-seat amphitheater is expected to showcase more than three hundred performances a year, featuring local and international talent, and provide a space for the university's theater, dance, visual arts, and music programs. Slated to open in the fall of 2022, the venue will feature a custom-designed acoustic shell; be able to support complex rigging, audio-visual systems, and broadcasting needs; and provide a place for students to gain hands-on experience in the live events industry. In recognition of the gift, the venue will be named the Epstein Family Amphitheater.

Longtime supporters of the university, the Epsteins have previously funded an endowed faculty fellowship at the Rady School of Management and research by internationally recognized Department of Urology Chair Christopher Kane.

"From the day we moved here thirty-six years ago, I said I would get involved with the university, and it has brought me much joy," said Phyllis Epstein. "What I get back is a sense of wonder, learning about things that I never knew existed. I am particularly thrilled about the teaching and learning opportunities the amphitheater will provide to students and the community. To learn, to enjoy, to discover the arts — what better gift can you give?"

"The Epstein Family Amphitheater brings us one step closer to UC San Diego becoming a destination for arts, entertainment, and culture, in addition to education and health care," said chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. "The Epstein family's visionary gift will provide an opportunity for the San Diego community to enjoy hundreds of performances that will be held there each year. We are also committed to ensuring underserved communities have access to many of these performances free of charge."

(Image credit: Safdie Rabines Architects)