The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and CenterState CEO Celebrated Grand Opening of Amphitheater Space with Clambake

The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and CenterState CEO announced the grand opening of a new event space on zoo grounds. On June 25, 2025, the organizations jointly hosted a fun-filled summer clambake at the zoo at the new Amphitheater space, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, great food, and exciting animal encounters.

Previously home to the zoo’s Asian elephant exhibit, the Amphitheater event space is located adjacent to the zoo’s courtyard and accommodates a variety of social and professional gatherings, including weddings, dinners, clambakes, and more. Newly renovated with infrastructure improvements and recently paved, the Amphitheater offers a spacious place to celebrate in style. This historic, outdoor venue gives guests the chance to remember the zoo’s storied history and to be a part of its future.

“This new event space is a perfect example of how we are growing and evolving while honoring the legacy of our past,” said Carrie Large, Executive Director of Friends of the Zoo. “We are thrilled to offer a stunning new location that helps support the zoo’s mission and provides a memorable experience for guests and event organizers alike. This summer, the space will even host our highly anticipated Canine Champions for Conservation show— bringing even more life and energy to this exciting new venue.”

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson added, ”CenterState CEO is proud to partner with Friends of the Zoo to host our event and celebrate the continued investment and growth of one of our community’s most valued assets. This clambake is about connection and community, and we’re honored to help showcase this exciting new space."

The event space is now available for bookings through Catering at the Zoo. For more information, visit here.