Beaten Concertgoer Sues LN, Staff Pro

Zachary Zander filed a civil suit against the companies for major injuries he sustained following a confrontation at the parking lot of the then-Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre in Chula Vista. Zander says he was trying to stop a group of Marines from harassing several women tailgating with Zander’s group, according to KNSD-TV.

The men allegedly attacked Zander, leaving him with a broken leg and multiple bone fractures to his face. He has undergone reconstructive facial surgery to put in at least 20 screws, plates and a bone graft.

“Tailgating is no longer just part of sporting events, it’s become a huge part of the country music scene,” Zander’s legal rep, Rhonda Holmes, told KGTV-TV. “Some guests even attend these pre-concert events without actually going to the concert …

“To increase the attendance and sale of alcoholic beverages at its country music concerts, Live Nation for years has widely promoted and encouraged the use of a remote Dirt Lot to stage raucous, day-long outdoor tailgating festivals. Had Live Nation and Staff Pro adequately protected Amphitheatre patrons and guests from alcohol-fueled, third-party violence, Mr. Zander would have been saved from suffering these dreadful injuries.”

Raymond Sharkey, a Marine sergeant, pleaded not guilty May 16 to two felony counts of assault and battery related to the incident. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted. Zander is seeking damages for bodily injury and emotional distress, KNSD-TV said.

A Live Nation spokeswoman told Pollstar the company doesn’t comment on pending legal matters.