Palm Springs Approves Oak View Group to Take Over Convention Center and Tourism Bureau

It’s official—AEG is stepping aside, and Oak View Group (OVG) is taking over management of the Palm Springs Convention Center and the city’s Bureau of Tourism. The Palm Springs City Council approved the agreement with a 4-0 vote during Monday night’s meeting.

The decision moves forward despite a federal indictment of OVG CEO Tim Leiweke, who is accused of conspiring to rig a bid for a public arena project in Austin, Texas. While the case has drawn national attention, city leaders chose to proceed with the deal.

Under the agreement, OVG will oversee all operations of the Convention Center and the Bureau of Tourism. A significant highlight of the new contract is a $125 million renovation plan aimed at modernizing the Convention Center and boosting the city’s appeal as a tourism and event destination.

The contract is expected to be finalized within days, and the transition of services will begin immediately afterward.

OVG already maintains a strong presence in the Coachella Valley. The company manages Acrisure Arena, co-owns the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and is overseeing the restoration of the historic Plaza Theater, set to reopen this December.

City officials say the move is designed to strengthen Palm Springs’ competitive edge in attracting conventions, large-scale events, and tourism dollars.

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