AceShowbiz - Snoop Dogg was presented the key to the city of Long Beach, AllHipHop reports. The honor came from Mayor Rex Richardson during an event where the rapper also headlined the inaugural show at the city’s new F&M Bank Amphitheater.

Cbsnews adds that the F&M Bank Amphitheater, which officially opens on a Saturday night, is Long Beach’s first open-air concert venue. The amphitheater overlooks the historic Queen Mary ship and cost $21 million to build. Legends / ASM Global, which manages 13 similar venues nationwide including the Greek Theatre, will operate the new venue. The opening event, featuring Snoop Dogg and other yet-to-be-announced guests, is part of a broader effort by city leaders to position Long Beach as a growing entertainment destination. Upcoming summer acts at the amphitheater include Ice Cube, Lil Wayne, Luke Bryan, and Mötley Crüe.

Snoop Dogg is known for his breakthrough 1993 album "Doggystyle" and his extensive career as both a rapper and actor, with 46 credits including film appearances in Ride and The Wrecking Crew. A native of Long Beach, he attended Polytechnic High School where he played football. Many of his songs reflect his upbringing in the city that now honors him with this key to the city.

This recognition highlights Snoop Dogg’s enduring connection to Long Beach and celebrates the city's investment in cultural infrastructure. The amphitheater’s launch not only marks a new chapter for live entertainment locally but also cements Snoop Dogg’s role as a hometown icon contributing to the city’s cultural and economic growth.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.