Update: Staples Center Isn’t Giving Up Meat

Morrissey isn’t getting his way after all. Los Angeles’ Staples Center has clarified that although it will be adding extra vegetarian options to the menu for Moz’s March 1 show, the venue will still be offering meat dishes for all of the British singer’s carnivorous fans.

Yesterday Pollstar reported that the Staples Center was giving up meat to honor the longtime vegetarian’s wishes. This was reportedly the first time the venue had gone totally vegetarian. According to the Los Angeles Times blog Pop & Hiss, the venue had agreed to remove the meat-based concessions off the food vendors’ menus and close down the arena’s McDonald’s outlets for the night.

Well, that’s not exactly true.

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House Of Blues, Atlantic City, N.J.

Pop & Hiss has since updated its story with the following quote from Cara Vanderhook, director of communications for Staples Center & Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE:

“The original request came through the promoter, however going entirely meatless was never an option as it goes against our philosophy of providing our guests with the greatest number of amenities and food options in an arena setting,” said Vanderhook.

To accommodate Moz and his vegetarian fans, the backstage catering is 100 percent meatless and Staples Center is adding additional veggie-friendly food items to the concession stands March 1. The concession stands menu includes vegan sloppy joes, grilled veggie sandwich, cheese pizza, vegan sushi, cheese nachos, veggie burgers, veggie wraps, pasta, salads, a hummus-and-pita plate and more.

“As we have done in the past, we are happy to create a menu with a greater variety of vegetarian items for our guests who prefer these types of options,” said Staples Center and L.A. LIVE Sr. Vice President and General Manager Lee Zeidman. “We respect Morrissey’s lifestyle and his concern for the wishes of so many of his fans and are happy that we are able to honor his requests in this manner.”