LN, SMG Win Bid For Pier Six

The Nov. 30 approval from Baltimore’s Board of Estimates dismissed AEG’s claims that that the city charter was violated when Baltimore Development Corp. asked multiple times for “best and final” bids, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

Though AEG Live regional VP Bill Reid filed a protest with board prior to the meeting, the bid was approved by the five-member board after it heard arguments from city attorneys. The contract calls for Live Nation and SMG to invest $3.6 million in renovations to Pier Six Pavilion over the course of the deal, which runs for up to 10 years, including a possible three-year extension. The contract also calls for the two companies to stage at least 25 shows per season.

Reid appeared at the Nov. 30 hearing and told the board the decision should be put on hold until a review could be conducted, according to the Business Journal.

“The public bid process is you make your first bid, your best bid,” Reid told the paper. “It opens the door to ask further questions about the process, and it compromises the integrity of the entire bidding system.”

Reid, who was unavailable after the meeting to speak to Pollstar, told the paper he believed AEG Live proffered the better offer, with a minimum of 45 shows per season and more capital improvement investment.