Judge OKs EDM Ban

State Supreme Court Justice Michael Lynch found the board had the right to ban EDM events at the venue, which was originally approved to host concerts as an auditorium with fixed seats, according to the local Times Union.

The venue had argued in court that there is no difference between a traditional concert and an EDM event, but the city saw things differently – especially after an October event reportedly ended with fans fighting police outside the arena and several arrests.

“This court agrees … what is really at issue here is the use of the Armory for certain musical events that involve general admission and a large dance area,” Lynch wrote. “The court does not, however, find support for (the Armory’s) contention that the challenged decision is a content-based restriction. By its terms, the decision is expressly focused on the event’s activities, not the content of the music.”

Armory attorney Gregory Teresi told the paper EDM concerts are “an integral part of our ability to stay open at this point.”

“It’s possible that this could shut the Armory down, absolutely. And the city is well aware of that,” he said.

If the venue continues to host such events, it could face fines as high as $2,000 per show from the city.