The city of Los Angeles could take over operation of the Greek Theatre, either temporarily or on a long-term basis, instead of contracting with an outside management company, under an idea to be considered by the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners.
The City Council, facing pressure from residents and bidders looking to win the venue’s management contract, recently rejected the parks commission’s recommendation to hand over management of the Greek Theatre from its long-time operator Nederlander to Live Nation.
The council asked the parks commission to re-do the bidding process.
This would mean Nederlander’s contract, which expires this fall, could run out before a new management company is found, and some City Council members suggested Nederlander’s contract be extended for a year.
However, the Department of Recreation & Parks staff suggests the city could follow in the footsteps of such cities as Denver, which operates the Red Rock Amphitheatre.
Department staffers recommended the commission cancel the recent bidding process and return proposal deposits to Nederlander and Live Nation, so a new bidding process that includes the self-operating idea could begin.
The commission is set to discuss the issue at its meeting Wednesday.
—City News Service