Hit that drum roll, San Pedro.

A packed room cheered and applauded as the Los Angeles harbor commission on Thursday, June 26, unanimously approved plans for a 6,200-seat outdoor waterfront amphitheater, which is expected to draw top-tier musical acts from throughout the L.A. area.

The amphitheater represents yet another addition to the port town’s new West Harbor development, which will provide a fresh-generation vibe on top of San Pedro’s authentic, multi-ethnic working class roots.

It all brought Dan Salas, the founder and operator of Harbor Breeze Cruises, which operates out of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, almost to tears.

“I was born in Wilmington,” Salas said in public remarks Thursday, adding he went to work at age 12 on Berth 79. “I’m here full of gratitude.”

Salas was one of the first to sign a lease for the new, still-under-development waterfront with a hybrid electric harbor cruise boat.

“We’ve done this! We’re going to do this,” Salas said. “We’re going to put this (waterfront) on the map!”

Others said the concert venue will provide jobs and music opportunities for a new generation whose parents and grandparents had their Ports O’ Call in the 1960s.

“I’m 22 years old, a musician, and I love hearing the stories about the old Utro’s, Walkers,” said Rudy Rios, referring to longtime restaurants and hangouts that have since closed. “But there’s not that much for my age as we come into adulthood. This amphitheater and the whole West Harbor development is going to be amazing for the youth and generations to come.”

The construction timeline for the amphitheater is about 14-16 months, depending on how long permits take.

The final environmental impact report drew some edits, such as reducing the number of requested shows, which would include fireworks, to five per year and the amount of time those programs would last. It also noted that, ultimately, factors of noise levels and traffic could not be fully mitigated but that sound monitors and other aids could be used.

Elise Swanson, CEO and president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, said that organization has worked for years on the West Harbor project, and the amphitheater would provide a key component that would also bring a boost to the downtown restaurants and shopping district.

West Harbor, which is set to open in 2026, replaces the popular Ports O’ Call, which was demolished several years ago.

Along with the amphitheater, which will be built at the southern end of the West Harbor waterfront. a 175-foot tall Ferris wheel will be built at the northern end of the attraction. The Ferris wheel will take a year to fabricate, and two to three months to erect and start operations. That means an estimate of 14 to 15 months from the order date.

“Today marks a pivotal milestone,” Swanson said. “This will transform our waterfront into a world-class (attraction). Our businesses in the downtown have been crying out for increased foot traffic and this amphitheater will bring it.”

Developers Eric and Alan Johnson, of Jerico Development, have agreed to clean up measures for the fireworks, and will take a closer look at artificial turf issues versus natural grass, and are still considering both. When asked about that issue, Eric Johnson told the board that natural turf included rain and mud hazards.

The West Harbor developers will continue studying and evaluating the turf surface options for the amphitheater and park space.

“We thank the Port of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners for their thoughtful and thorough evaluation of the West Harbor Modification Project,” Eric Johnson said after the meeting. “We appreciate all members of the community who took the time to make their voices heard. We are also grateful to so many others, including the City Council office and the county supervisor’s office for their support and the enthusiasm they have expressed for our plans to make West Harbor a must-visit destination and a regional economic driver.”

Neighborhood council representatives were active throughout the process and commented during the meeting.

Dean Pentcheff of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council said that while concerns remained, he was thankful for the concessions the developers made. He also said that, in the end, he thought it would “end up an amazing project for this town. Our duty is to address the problems.”

The issues that kept “cropping up,” Pentcheff said, were “fireworks, plastic grass, sound and traffic.”

“On sound,” Pentcheff said, “there are unavoidable impacts” the community will have to deal with.

“Progress does come with costs, you know that and we know that,” he said. “We look forward to working with you.”

Mona Sutton, a small business owner active in many of the groups that have worked through those concerns, said the challenges will be worth what is gained.

“We need this project,” she said. “Sound mitigation has been one of the main issues.

“But (those questions) have been asked and answered and I have every bit of trust in Jerico (development) company,” Sutton said. “We need this for our small businesses and we are desperate to be a firs-class destination.”

The theater will be managed by the Nederlander Organization, which ran the Greek Theater.

Outer Harbor concerts in the past and large-scale events like L.A. Fleet Week have proven that San Pedro can handle a large influx of visitors, some speakers said on Thursday. Those events also have benefited downtown businesses and restaurants. New mid-rise developments have also brought new residents into the community who will provide natural patrons.

“Nederlander has been open to discussion” in working with the community, said 25-year San Pedro resident Linda Alexander. “We’re very eager for this project. It’s always been a town for ‘potential.’ Now we’re about to achieve it.”