LA City Council Approves SMG For Greek Theatre

LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) The Los Angeles City Council announced that it has approved a five-year agreement for SMG to continue operating the Greek Theatre.

The agreement includes a $4 million capital improvement plan for the Greek as well as improvements around traffic, sound and infrastructure.

“I am thrilled today to announce a new agreement between the City and SMG to operate our storied Greek Theatre,” said Councilmember Ryu who represents Griffith Park and the neighborhoods surrounding the Greek Theatre. “This substantive agreement, which includes $4 million in improvements, is the result of a robust process which strived to meet the needs of the theatre and the surrounding community.”

“We are proud of the new agreement with SMG to assist with the daily management our iconic and historic Greek Theatre,” Department of Recreation and Parks Mike Schull GM said. “This agreement will bring real improvements to the Greek, and ensure this remains a cherished venue for the City of Los Angeles and a first class experience for our patrons and the surrounding community members.”

The current agreement with SMG expires Nov. 1. The process began last November with request for proposals. The finalists were SMG and Oak View Group.

“Compared to OVG’s $1.1 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to $4 million dollars in improvements to the Greek Theatre, including renovations to three of the decks and concession stands, enhanced entrance and security, and the replacement of every chair, for  the chance to operate the Greek Theatre for another five years,” the city council said in a statement.

“We are honored to continue management and operation of the Greek Theatre on behalf of the City of Los Angeles,” Doug Thornton, Executive Vice President of SMG, said. “The Greek Theatre is a unique facility in an extraordinary setting within Griffith Park.  We look forward to our continued partnership with the City of Los Angeles.”

The agreement allows for SMG to operate the Greek Theatre for five years, with the option for the City to renew the agreement for another five years. Aside from the $4 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to host monthly meetings with the nearby community, use sound monitoring services to study and reduce sound impacts on neighbors, and implementing a “hot-line” for community members to immediately contact SMG senior staff. SMG’s approved proposal also includes increased staff for parking, security and event management to ensure smooth events with little impact to nearby residents. SMG is also exploring non-impactful off-season opportunities to increase revenue for the Department of Recreation and Parks, including tours of the 88-year-old theatre.

“Operating the Greek Theatre is about more than just running a music venue,” Councilmember Ryu said. “It’s about serving the neighborhood, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors and ensuring the legacy of this cultural institution continues to make our City proud.”

The Parks and Rec department had previously recommended a renewal of the SMG contract and today’s decision was not surprising.

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