When the Rancho Mirage Speaker Series launched in 2003, it had a modest goal of providing lively dialogue and engaging exchanges for interested residents.
As the series returns for its 20th anniversary, it has established itself as a must-see event for the City, bringing in titans of various industries.
The inaugural speaker series in 2003 hosted three legendary speakers: media titan Arianna Huffington, acclaimed television writer Carl Reiner and noted author David Halberstam. Over the years, the Speaker Series brought audiences legendary names in entertainment, science, journalism, politics, and comedy including: Julie Andrews, Richard Dreyfuss, Debbie Reynolds, Tab Hunter, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Dr. Jane Goodall, Bob Woodward, Dan Rather, Bob Costas, James Carville, Jenna and Barbara Bush and Bob Newhart, to name a few.
In 2020, the Rancho Mirage Speaker Series reinvented itself as Legends of Sports and brought in renown sports figures for the first time. It started with pioneering race car driver Danica Patrick, followed by football legend Joe Montana. Tennis legend Chris Evert was scheduled for March but, unfortunately her appearance had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The upcoming 2023 series will take on even more changes as it moves to a new venue, The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa. The city is excited to partner with Agua Caliente Casinos to bring this reinvented signature event to a whole new level. The series will continue with the sports-themed programming featuring hockey legend, beloved sportscaster, and entertainer, Wayne Gretzky on January 23, NFL all-time rushing leader, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, Emmitt Smith on February 21, and closing out the series on March 21 will be boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard who is a Legendary Boxing Icon, Bestselling Author, and Founder of the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation.
Additionally, through the City’s partnership with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the first 1,000 ticket purchasers will receive free admission to the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ game against the San Diego Gulls on January 22, 2023, where Gretzky will drop the ceremonial first puck to start the game in the new Acrisure Arena.
The 2023 Rancho Mirage Speaker Series stage is set with an extraordinary lineup of intriguing speakers, additional offerings, and new venues thanks to expanded city
partnerships.
To purchase tickets for the 2023 Rancho Mirage Speaker Series, please visit: RMSpeakerSeries.com or call us at (800) 514-3849.
