3 More Years For Outside Lands

Another Planet Entertainment got San Francisco’s blessing and a permit that will guarantee the city’s Recreation and Parks Department at least $2.85 million and the promoter another three years to stage its Outside Lands festival at Golden Gate Park.

A permit was approved April 16 by the parks commission for three more years of the three-day fest. Another Planet’s end of the agreement includes a base guarantee of $950,000 annually, increasing by $50,000 or 10 percent of annual ticket sales each year, whichever is greater, according to the San Francisco Examiner.

Last year’s inaugural Outside Lands was successful almost to a fault – the parks commission triggered controversy, at least in the local press, by considering issuing a request for proposals from promoters for future concerts in all its parks.

Approximately 130,000 music fans attended Outside Lands last year, and Another Planet has already announced its lineup for the Aug. 28-30 fest. Based on last year’s numbers, the city could make roughly $1.2 million, Rec & Park’s director of partnerships, Rich Hillis, told the paper.

Another Planet reportedly will also have to submit for approval site plans, including locations for stages, vendors, portable toilets and garbage cans, prior to each year’s show as well as pay for increased transportation and security in the park during the fest. The promoter will also be required to meet with an arborist to discuss mitigation of damage to park trees.

Commissioners seem satisfied with their talks with Another Planet.

“You rarely see an organization that wants to improve upon what they did the year before,” Commissioner Meagan Levitan told the Examiner before adding she was excited to see Tom Jones perform this year.

Other performers on the Outside Lands schedule include Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Beastie Boys, Incubus, Black Eyed Peas, M.I.A., TV on the Radio, Silversun Pickups and Calexico. Tickets are already on sale.