About Thunder Studios
Thunder Studios is a cutting-edge film, television, and live events complex tucked into a warehouse district of North Long Beach. It spans roughly 150,000 square feet across 20 sound stages , making it one of the largest independent production studios in the country . Founded in 2013 by Australian-born entrepreneur Rodric David , the venue was formerly used by General Motors (GMC) before being transformed into a multimedia facility. Signature features include massive concrete-floored stages (some with 3-wall cycloramas), water tanks, and even one of the world’s largest film lightboxes (15×50 ft) . Thunder Studios’ advanced technical infrastructure – including an 8K-resolution XR video volume, permanent overhead LED panels, and high-speed fiber networks – sets it apart from typical music halls or theaters. While it primarily serves industry clients for music videos, commercials, and broadcasts, it doubles as a public event space. The studio has hosted major production shoots (from Beyoncé videos to esports broadcasts and even MLS/NBA/MLB games ) while also opening its doors to special live events. Its presence in Long Beach has boosted the local entertainment scene, bringing high-profile activity (and visiting crews and audiences) to this part of the city. The owner proudly sources many services from local businesses and even encourages crews to stay in Long Beach hotels, emphasizing community impact . All told, Thunder Studios’ mix of historic reuse, high-tech stages, and broad capabilities makes it a truly unique venue on the Southern California entertainment map.
Events and Programming
Thunder Studios hosts a remarkably diverse lineup of events. It’s been used for live-streamed concerts (especially during the pandemic) such as intimate virtual performances and rap battles. For example, the rock band Goo Goo Dolls staged a fully immersive livestream show from Thunder, and R&B star Trey Songz filmed a Valentine’s Day special there . The “esports arena” is regularly configured for competitive gaming tournaments (e.g. Call of Duty and Super Smash Bros. events), pop-up DJ battles (including a Drake-themed rap battle), and other interactive entertainment . Thunder’s stages are also popular for television-style productions: pro wrestling promoters (the United Wrestling Network/NWA) produced weekly “Primetime Live” pay-per-view events here in 2020 , complete with a live audience. In recent years the venue has become notable as a combat sports arena for boxing and martial arts. Multiple professional boxing cards were held here in 2023 and 2024 (often televised on DAZN or Fox Deportes), and major events like the “New Blood” CBN Promotions boxing show in Sept 2024 drew national coverage . The complex also hosted a scheduled ProBox TV bouts in early 2025 , plus hybrid MMA/kickboxing shows (e.g. Royal Combat Muay Thai in mid-2025). The largest event space can accommodate up to about 1,000 spectators , so Thunder often handles sizeable fight nights and gaming competitions. Overall, the venue is programmed with everything from hip-hop battles and DJ livestreams to pro-wrestling, boxing, and esports events (along with corporate product launches and conventions). Recurring series include Thunder Gaming’s weekly Smash Bros. tournaments and other public gaming leagues. Ticket prices vary by event: for example, a recent Muay Thai fight night listed general admission at $60 and VIP ringside seats at $100 . In general, sporting events tend to sell GA tickets in the $40–$70 range (with premium ringside options) while special music or streaming shows can be free or carry moderate cover charges depending on the artist.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Thunder Studios events are typically sold online through the venue’s official box office site or the promoters’ channels. Shows usually go on sale weeks or months in advance. It’s a good idea to sign up for Thunder’s or event promoters’ mailing lists to get presale codes or early-notice emails. Popular shows can sell out quickly, so plan to purchase early. There is no standard walk-up ticket window; instead most fans will buy online and pick up will-call at the venue. Some events post ticketing information on Thunder’s website calendar, while many use third-party ticket services (though Thunder Studios does not endorse any particular platform by name). If an event isn’t sold out online, limited door sales may be available on the night of the show. Doors typically open about an hour before showtime – for instance, a recent fight card scheduled its doors at 5:00 PM for a 6:00 PM first match . Pricing tiers reflect seating: general admission (usually first-come standing or folding chairs) anchors the range, with closer “ringside” or VIP seating at a higher price. Always check the event’s official info for exactly when tickets go on sale and the recommended purchasing method for that particular concert, sports event, or special performance.
Seating and Layout
Thunder Studios does not have a fixed seating bowl. Instead, its large halls are arranged flexibly depending on the event. Most concerts and tournaments use general admission floors: fans either stand or take portable folding chairs set out near the stage. There are often no permanent balconies or mezzanines, so early arrivals can claim the best floor space. For boxing and MMA novels, promoters install a standard boxing ring at center with rows of chairs around it. “Ringside” or front-row seats (often as VIP packages) provide the clearest view – these are typically roped-off chairs right next to the ring . Away from the stage, the hall can accommodate up to about 1,000 people in total , though the safe capacity depends on configuration. In the dedicated “esports arena” section, there is a raised stage/truss for players or performers, plus tables and chairs at floor level, plus a separate VIP lounge and bar area . The venue has high ceilings with an overhead grid and heavy “elephant” doors for vehicles to enter, which makes loading gear easy. (Indeed, vehicles can even drive up to some stages for load-in.) From the audience perspective, the space feels like a giant black-box theater. Acoustically it is a cavern of concrete floors and metal trusses, so sound may be loud and booming – bringing earplugs is a good idea for concerts or fights. Avoid standing right next to big speaker stacks or behind columns when possible. In general, for the best view pick a spot on the floor with clear sightlines to the stage or ring, or secure a front-row/Ringside ticket if you want a guaranteed close-up. Some vantage points in the lobby or side hall also feature big TV monitors, which let you catch the action even if you step away from the main floor .
Getting There and Parking
Thunder Studios is located in north Long Beach at 20434 South Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810 . This is an industrial area north of the 405 freeway. The facility is about a 20-minute drive from LAX and roughly 15 minutes from Long Beach’s shoreline . By car, the best routes are via I-405 or I-710 to the local streets (Santa Fe Ave or Willow St). The studio has its own parking area, and a large lot next door – BoxingOnly notes there is “ample parking” available . Parking is generally free and straightforward; just follow signs or attendant directions on event nights. Rideshare/drop-off is also easy: the main entrance on Santa Fe has a wide curbside area. Public transportation access is somewhat limited but useful. Long Beach Transit buses 191 and 192 run north-south on Santa Fe Avenue and stop at Santa Fe & 23rd Street, only a block or two from the venue . Other LBT routes run on nearby streets (e.g. 102/103 on Anaheim Blvd a few blocks east). The Metro Blue Line (A Line) terminates at Pacific Coast Highway Station, about 1.5 miles north; from there you’d transfer to a bus or rideshare to reach Thunder. After an event, late-night transit options dwindle, so most people rely on car or ride services. In summary: for driving, allow extra time on LA-area freeways; for buses, the Santa Fe routes are your best bet (getting off at Santa Fe/23rd ); and for drop-offs, Thunder’s address easily shows up on Uber/Lyft with minimal parking hassles.
Inside the Venue
Expect a busy, industrial-stage atmosphere. On event day, there will be security and ticket scanning at one of the roll-up doors or lobby entrances. Staff may check bags, so keep handbags and backpacks modest. Once inside, the lighting can be dimcake (on-floor events) or bright (for filming). Concessions and food: Thunder has a small on-site café and full catering services for crews , and for big events it sets up concession stands selling standard arena fare (water, soda, snacks, hot dogs, etc.). Guests have noted “plenty of restrooms” and multiple concession points so the lines usually move quickly . There are also large video monitors in the lobby and corridors, so if you step away from the stage area you can still watch the action . Merchandise: many events sell souvenirs or event-specific T-shirts from pop-up merch booths. (Thunder itself does not have a permanent gift shop.) Coat check: If you have bulky outerwear, see if the event offers a coat-check; otherwise you may have to hang coats on your chair or keep them with you. Accessibility: The venue’s ground floor has no steps for the main entrance and parking , making entry easy for mobility devices, and it maintains ADA-compliant restrooms. Technology: The facility is wired with ultra-fast internet (1 Gbps fiber with up to 10 Gbps available ) and in-house WiFi on each stage. While this connectivity mainly serves production crews, it means in practice that cell service and streaming often work well inside the echoing halls. Special features: Overhead you’ll see the hallmark catwalk gantries and trusses for lighting and sound, which allow a fully professional concert or broadcast setup. Overall, the experience is more like being on a high-end film set than in a traditional concert hall, but events at Thunder are fully catered (literally and metaphorically) to the audience’s needs.
Nearby Amenities
The immediate neighborhood is mostly warehouses and light industry, so on-site options are limited outside of casual fast food or food trucks that may appear at events. However, several local restaurants are within a few blocks or a short drive. For example, the Santa Fe Importers deli (on Santa Fe Ave at 25th St) offers hearty Italian sandwiches and market goods . Next door on Santa Fe is Birriería Tepechi (a popular spot for birria tacos). A few minutes farther north, Casa Chaskis (at 2380 Santa Fe Ave) serves Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado and ceviche . For quick bites and drinks, there’s also a market with Filipino food stands and a boba tea house a few blocks over. If you need sit-down dining, an easy option is to drive a few miles southeast to the more commercial areas of North Long Beach (Pico-Kraemer, or Lakewood Center region) which have chain restaurants and bars. Nearby hotels are limited in the immediate vicinity; most visitors stay in Downtown Long Beach or adjoining Lakewood/Carson. Expect a 10–15 minute drive to the nearest full-service hotels and nightlife. Given the location, it’s wise to plan pre-show dining or post-show drinks accordingly – for instance, consider grabbing a meal in Long Beach’s Retro Row district or the Pike before heading up the Pike (or using rideshare for commitments).
What Makes This Venue Special
Thunder Studios’ unique blend of high-tech production and live event space sets it apart. Architecturally, it’s a simple warehouse inside, but technologically it’s state-of-the-art. Highlights include a dedicated 5,000 sq ft XR (extended reality) stage with permanent wraparound LED walls and ceiling , a 30-ton AC rig, large lightboxes (including a 15×50 ft megabox on Stage 3 ), and an integrated control center. These features fulfill any production wish – from virtual-reality sets to live multi-camera sports broadcasts. On the cultural side, Thunder Studios has hosted several “firsts” for Long Beach. It brought nationally televised combat sports back to town in an intimate setting (promoters describe it as a “very intimate”, and highly recommended, venue ) and gave local e-sports fans a home arena to play in front of crowds. The facility’s origin story also adds flavor: an obscure corner of the city was transformed by one man’s vision (Rodric David naming it “Thunder” after childhood lightning) , proving Long Beach can support cutting-edge entertainment without relocating to LA. It has become a point of pride, with the owner going out of his way to use local crews, vendors, and hotels to benefit the community . For artists and tech crews, Thunder offers “the sky is the limit” creativity – any virtual scene imaginable can be built here. For audiences, the venue’s industrial vibe and top-tier production values create a cool, underground-concert-meets-film-studio atmosphere that local fans love.
Visitor Tips and Information
Thunder Studios is fully wheelchair-accessible, with level parking and entrance ramps . Attendees should bring their printed or mobile tickets and a valid ID. Typical event policies apply: bags may be searched, and standard restrictions (no weapons, no outside alcohol, etc.) are enforced. Photography and video rules vary by event – cell phones and small cameras are usually fine, but professional video cameras or tripods are generally prohibited unless specified. Dress very casually and comfortably (you’ll be on concrete floors and standing a lot). Consider ear protection for loud concerts or fights. If you need a wristband or lanyard, bookmarks ribbon quick. For family events, note that kids 3 & up usually need their own ticket (children under 3 often sit on a lap) . Thunder has multiple restrooms including ADA-accessible facilities, and there is a cafeteria (the Delius Cafe) on site along with event concessions. Coat check is typically not available, so avoid bulky outerwear. Social media check-ins and connectivity generally work well thanks to the studio’s powerful Wi-Fi and cell signal. Plan to arrive early (doors often open ~30–60 minutes before start; e.g., a recent fight had doors at 5:00 PM for a 6:00 PM opening bell ). Finally, double-check the event’s age limit and policies: some shows are open to all ages while others (especially late-night or hard-fight cards) may be 18+ or 21+ only. Following these guidelines will help ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable experience at Thunder Studios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thunder Studios and where is it located?
Thunder Studios is a large film/TV production studio and live events venue in North Long Beach. It was once known as South Bay Studios and now spans 150,000 sq ft of soundstages. The address is 20434 South Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90810 . It’s about 20 minutes from LAX and roughly 15 minutes from downtown Long Beach.
What types of events are held at Thunder Studios?
A wide variety: Thunder Studio hosts concerts (often livestreamed pop, rock and hip-hop shows), electronic gaming tournaments (esports events), live pro-wrestling and mixed martial arts, boxing and bare-knuckle fight cards, corporate launch events, and festivals. Past events include weekly wrestling TV tapings and nationally televised boxing cards . If you enjoy music or sports entertainment, Thunder often has something in its schedule that season.
How can I buy tickets for events at Thunder Studios?
Most tickets are sold online. Check Thunder Studios’ official website, the event promoter’s site, or major ticketing platforms for sales and presales. Events usually go on sale weeks before the show. There isn’t a traditional box office window, so buy tickets in advance if possible. On event night, will-call pick-up may be available for pre-purchased tickets, and sometimes limited door sales exist if the show is not sold out. It’s wise to subscribe to a mailing list or follow Thunder’s social channels to get alerts for ticket release dates.
What is the seating arrangement and capacity?
Thunder’s event spaces are flexible and reconfigurable. There are no permanent fixed seats or balconies. The main arena can accommodate roughly 1,000 people when set up for standing-room or temporary chairs . For most shows, fans stand or sit a few rows on the flat floor. Boxing and fight nights use a ring setup with folding chairs around it (front-row “ringside” seats are usually sold as VIP). The esports arena layout includes a raised stage platform plus VIP lounge seating . In short, it’s largely general admission: arrive early for a good spot on the main floor, or purchase any offered VIP seating for guaranteed front views.
What transportation and parking options are available?
By car, Thunder Studios has its own large parking lot adjacent to the building (parking is generally free for event attendees) . Street parking on nearby industrial roads is also usually available. The nearest major freeway exits are I-405 (exit Santa Fe/Shoreline) or I-710 (exit Anaheim/Rosecrans). For public transit, Long Beach Transit buses run along Santa Fe Avenue. In particular, LBT routes 191 and 192 stop at Santa Fe & 23rd Street, only a couple of blocks from the studio . The Metro Blue Line (formerly Green Line) rail ends at the Pacific Coast Hwy station about 1.5 miles north – from there a connecting bus or rideshare is needed to reach the studio. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) can easily drop off and pick up at the Santa Fe entrance.
Is Thunder Studios wheelchair and ADA accessible?
Yes. Thunder Studios is designed for inclusive access. The venue lists a wheelchair-accessible entrance and ample accessible parking . Event floors are on one level with no stairs, and there are accessible restroom facilities. Patrons in wheelchairs should have no trouble entering and moving around the main event space.
What items or behaviors are prohibited at Thunder Studios?
General event rules apply. Prohibited items typically include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, Open-container beverages, and unauthorized recording devices (e.g. professional video cameras, large tripods). Backpacks may be subject to search. Always check the specific event’s policy, as some shows (like family events) may allow more (e.g. bringing a small unopened snack). Service animals are allowed by law, but pets, smoking, and vaping are not permitted in the building. Dress is casual – avoid overly bulky coats since there is no formal coat check.
Are food and drinks available inside Thunder Studios?
Yes. The studio has on-site food services for crews and audiences. There is a café (Delius Cafe) and catering kitchen inside . During open events, concession stands sell typical stadium fare (sodas, bottled water, snacks, and simple hot food). Outside food or drink is generally not allowed, so it’s easiest to purchase inside before or during intermissions. If you need a full meal, you may want to eat beforehand at a nearby restaurant.
What restaurants are near Thunder Studios for pre- or post-show dining?
The Thunder Studios area is mostly industrial, but there are a few noteworthy local eateries on Santa Fe Avenue. For example, Santa Fe Importers is an old-school Italian deli known for giant cold-cut sandwiches . Next door, Birriería Tepechi and Casa Chaskis serve Mexican birria and Peruvian cuisine, respectively – both are just a short drive away (Casa Chaskis at 2380 Santa Fe Ave) . There are also taco stands and Filipino bakeries a few blocks away. For more options (including bars or sit-down restaurants), Downtown Long Beach or nearby Lakewood Center area have many choices, about 10–15 minutes southwest by car.
What are the ticket price ranges for events at Thunder Studios?
It varies widely by event type. For music or club events, covers could range from ~$20 up to $50 or more depending on the artist. Sporting events like MMA, boxing or kickboxing generally run $40–$70 for general admission, with premium ringside/front-row seats $100 or above. For example, a June Muay Thai fight night had general seating at $60 and VIP ringside at $100 . Always check the specific event announcement – many shows list all pricing tiers (GA, VIP, etc.) when tickets go on sale.
Is Thunder Studios an indoor or outdoor venue?
Thunder Studios is entirely indoors. All events are held inside large sound stages or warehouse bays. There is no open-air seating. This means weather (rain, cold, heat) won’t impact your experience — but it does mean the air will be air-conditioned or climate-controlled per stage. Dress for indoor comfort.
What is Thunder’s “XR Stage” and how is it used?
Thunder Studios features a cutting-edge XR (Extended Reality) stage (Stage 10) designed for virtual production. This 5,000 sq ft space includes towering LED screens on the walls and ceiling, creating a seamless digital backdrop. It supports 8K resolution content and real-time camera tracking (using Unreal Engine and specialized tracking hardware) . In practice, this means producers can simulate any location or environment on set. Because it’s a studio stage, the XR set isn’t typically open to general audiences unless a production specifically invites fans on set.
Does Thunder Studios offer Wi-Fi for guests?
There is no publicly advertised guest Wi-Fi, as Thunder is primarily a production facility. However, the building is fully wired with high-speed (1 Gbps+) fiber networks for broadcast operations . In practice, many patrons find that their cellular data works fine inside the venue. If you need internet, assume you will use your own mobile data. (Production crews have access to the studio’s private networks for streaming and content delivery.)
Are minors and children allowed at Thunder Studios events?
Minors are generally allowed unless an event is explicitly restricted (some fight promotions or late-night shows may require guests to be 18+). Family-friendly events often welcome all ages. For example, an upcoming Thai boxing event specifically noted that children aged 3 and up must have tickets, and under-3s are free if seated on a lap . We recommend checking the age policy of the particular event you plan to see (it will be stated in the event’s details). When children are permitted, standard event rules still apply (e.g. keep them with you, and ensure they have ear protection in loud shows).
What time do Thunder Studios events usually start and end?
Most events start in the evening. Doors commonly open an hour before the first performance or match. For example, a scheduled Muay Thai fight on June 7, 2025 had doors at 5:00 PM for a 6:00 PM start . Concerts or card fights can last 3–4 hours (with intermissions), so you might expect a 9–10 PM end time. Always double-check the official schedule: the ticket or event page will list exact doors and show times. Plan accordingly: arriving early ensures time for parking, security, and grabbing refreshments before things begin.
