Live Nation, the company that runs of tons of big-deal venues and organized Downtown's Made In America festival, was announced as the winner today in the bitter battle for control of the Greek Theatre, according to a release from Live Nation. The concert promoter was up against long-time operator Nederlander (39 years), in partnership with LA Live owner AEG. Neighbors to the historic Griffith Park performance venue will probably be upset by the news; many were backing Nederlander/AEG in this conflict, which has dragged on for a while now as the Department of Recreation and Parks delayed a decision.
Each candidate had submitted plans to improve the Greek, and the Department of Rec and Parks was all set to award the contract to Live Nation when Nederlander asked that the decision be put off a week so that the public could get involved. Much of that public backed Nederlander/AEG, arguing more or less that they preferred the known to the unknown (and that LiveNation wouldn't do a good job handling trash or noise). However, Live Nation promised to invest more than double Nederlander's number in improvements to the theater; their plans calls for a revitalization of the vintage columns, seat replacement, and food and refreshment overhauls, as well as a rehab to the entrance plaza and a thorough seismic update.
The vote by the Rec and Parks today was unanimous. The mayor and City Council will still have to sign off on the contract, so it's not quite over yet.
· See the Competing Upgrade Plans for the Greek Theatre [Curbed LA]
· Greek Theatre Neighbors Freaking About Possible New Operator [Curbed LA]
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