C3 Takes On Congress

C3 Presents has inked an exclusive booking agreement with Chicago’s 4,200-capacity Congress Theater, further solidifying the Austin, Texas-based company’s ties to the Windy City.

With the deal, the Lollapalooza promoter gains a year-round foothold in Chicago and adds to the growing roster of venues it books. The company recently acquired rights to book all Harrah’s Entertainment venues nationally, excluding those in Las Vegas.

It also makes Chicago that much more competitive, with C3 joining Jam Productions, Live Nation and MSG Entertainment to duke it out for talent and ticketbuyers.

"The union of C3 and the Congress creates a perfect business model for the Chicago live music market," said Homero Tristan, legal counsel for Congress Corporation owner Eddie Carranza, in a statement. "The Congress will maintain its independence while beginning a new and exciting journey."

C3 Presents partner Charles Attal added, "As we continue to expand our presence in the city of Chicago, the opportunity to work with Eddie is a perfect match for our business plan. To book a historic theatre like the Congress Theatre has been a goal of C3’s for some time and we are grateful that Eddie has made it a reality."