Ford Park Eyes Promoter Deal

Officials in Texas’ Jefferson County have been given the green light to work with private promoters at the Ford Park Pavilion to generate new business for the venue.

The 14,000-capacity, SMG-managed venue is owned by the county and has hosted the South Texas State Fair the past two years. However, the lights at Ford Park are often dim and officials want to change that.

GM John Hughes recently told the Beaumont Enterprise the amphitheatre has averaged two or three shows per year.

But soon after lawyers gave the venue the OK to subcontract with an exclusive promoter, Hughes said a promoter approached him to discuss booking two shows.

“There is interest,” he said. “People are talking about bringing shows to the pavilion.”

Guidelines for any deals made would cap payment at no more than $433,000 per year, the Enterprise reported.