Partnership Between San Francisco Based Music Industry Leader and Immersive Entertainment Pioneer to Create Groundbreaking Programming at Historic Pier 70
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevation Sky Park San Francisco (ESP SF) today announced a strategic investment from EMPIRE, the trailblazing San Francisco-based music company founded by Ghazi. The partnership will explore innovative programming that combines EMPIRE's global artist roster with ESP SF's immersive technology platform at a new arts and entertainment destination at Pier 70 opening this winter.
ESP SF represents a new kind of cultural destination for audiences. Featuring geodesic projection domes and a pyramid structure, ESP SF is a place where state-of-the-art technology, artistic expression, and community connection merge into extraordinary shared experiences. The $6.5 million project will accommodate over 2,000 guests across multiple venues upon opening and is set to become the Bay Area's first large-scale immersive entertainment venue.
EMPIRE, the premier independent record label founded by Ghazi in 2010, has evolved into a global entertainment powerhouse with artists and labels including Shaboozey, Fireboy DML, and SF's homegrown success, Dirtybird. The company recently purchased the historic 1 Montgomery Street building and maintains 100+ employees in San Francisco.
"ESP SF represents exactly the kind of innovative, community-focused venture that embodies San Francisco's creative spirit," said Sean Ahearn, CEO of Elevation Sky Park San Francisco. "Partnering with EMPIRE creates incredible opportunities to showcase how technology and artistry can transform communities while pioneering the future of immersive entertainment."
The collaboration will leverage both companies' technology platforms to create new forms of immersive music experiences. Programming will include multi-sensory concerts in ESP SF's 360-degree environments, community arts initiatives connecting local artists with EMPIRE's global network, and experiences such as live concerts, transformative art, film screenings, and special events.
"San Francisco has always been the heartbeat of EMPIRE, and Elevation Sky Park is the perfect stage to reimagine how music and culture come to life," said Ghazi, Founder and CEO of EMPIRE. "We're excited for this partnership, and to create experiences that are as bold and innovative as the city itself."
The partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the immersive entertainment market, projected to reach $413 billion by 2030, while supporting San Francisco's cultural and economic development.
About Elevation Sky Park San Francisco
Elevation Sky Park San Francisco (ESP SF) is an immersive entertainment destination opening at historic Pier 70, a new waterfront destination under development by Brookfield Properties that today is home to a growing creative community of makers, artists, food purveyors and innovators.
Created by the team behind the acclaimed Wisdome LA, ESP SF combines art, technology, and community to deliver extraordinary shared experiences. The venue features three geodesic projection domes and a striking pyramid structure, serving as both a nighttime entertainment hub and daytime community resource. From spectacular 360° visualizations and live performances to educational workshops and wellness events, ESP SF offers a versatile cultural platform for audiences of all ages.
ESP SF reflects San Francisco's innovative spirit and creative legacy. Designed to integrate seamlessly into the city's cultural fabric, the venue supports local artists, technologists, and entrepreneurs while also attracting world-class immersive content. Beyond entertainment, ESP SF is committed to driving economic revitalization, creating a sustainable cultural landmark that connects communities and inspires global creative exchange.
ESP SF adds a prominent arts and cultural attraction to Pier 70 that is an ideal complement to the creative community onsite. Adjacent to ESP SF is Brookfield's restored historic Building 12, a football-field-sized former shipbuilding site that is the heart of the development. Today, it is home to local brewer Standard Deviant, acclaimed baker Breadbelly and SVEN Ceramics, each of which opened last summer. Also at Building 12 are artists, designers, florists, along with an alternative motorcycle dealer, an arts and education nonprofit and venture capital firm. A popular indoor padel and pickleball club, Bay Padel, is adding ten outdoor courts this winter.
Plans for the 28-acre new project include housing, offices, parks, and space for artists and local manufacturing, and rehabilitated historic buildings. The development is a public-private partnership between Brookfield Properties and the Port of San Francisco.
About EMPIRE
Founded in 2010 by Bay Area native Ghazi, EMPIRE is currently leading through its innovative and progressive approach to the digital music era across its label, distribution and publishing arms. The global company has more than 200 employees in 25 countries spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
With its focus on early stage artist development, the San Francisco based company has been instrumental in identifying future icons and launching the careers of both multi-platinum and award winning artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Fireboy DML, Shaboozey, Asake, XXXTentacion, and Anderson.Paak.
More than a decade in, EMPIRE continues to grow as the largest privately held record company in the U.S. In recent years, EMPIRE has expanded its global footprint with teams and offices in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America amplifying culture worldwide.
Through crafting bespoke deals that are always in favor of the artist, EMPIRE is able to form a true partnership with each artist and label on its roster. Coupled with their unique software for analytics, recoupment, and royalties, which is available to every partner, the company offers a level of transparency unprecedented in the music industry.
SOURCE Elevation Sky Park San Francisco; EMPIRE
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