Features
Sacramento Wants Live Nation, SMG
In an effort to improve downtown entertainment, the Sacramento, Calif., City Council will vote July 25 on a deal to handover three of its downtown venues to private operators.
Memorial Auditorium – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
The deal would permit
The facilities are operated by the Department of Convention and Cultural Services. The city hopes handing over the venues will increase the number of events and attendance and “further augment downtown’s role as destination for arts, entertainment and culture,” according to a city staff report.
Negotiations with the three companies are expected to last three months if the deal is approved.
The city recently approved a $120 million renovation of the Convention Center and an $83 million renovation of the Community Center Theater.
SMG would operate the Convention Center and the Community Center Theater if the agreement is approved. Live Nation would run Memorial Auditorium and the Kings would “handle community engagement and outreach as well as marketing and sponsorships,” according to the city staff report.
“With world-class partners Live Nation and SMG, we’ll have a robust entertainment calendar at three venues with tremendous potential,” John Rinehart, Kings president of business operations, told the paper.
“Downtown’s historic venues will come alive with diverse and leading acts, including artists from our own backyard. And together, we’ll activate the convention center to bring millions of guests to the region while supporting our travel and tourism economy.”