LA Parks Commission votes for Live Nation takeover of Greek Theatre

GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission voted Thursday for Live Nation Worldwide to manage the Greek Theatre over its current operator, Nederlander Concerts.

The proposal now goes to the L.A. City Council and Mayor Eric Garcetti, who will vote on the proposal.

The Live Nation contract term would be for 10 years, starting after Nederlander's contract ends next October, with the possibility for two five-year extensions.

The Greek is one of the more intimate venues in Southern California. Nestled in the hills of Griffith Park, it has hosted shows for decades. It also shares the area with surrounding homes.

Supporters and opponents of the Live Nation bid attended Thursday morning's commission meeting at Friendship Auditorium in Griffith Park. Some neighborhood residents near the theater oppose Live Nation taking over, concerned the company will bring in more shows with louder music.

"It's never going to be the same if you guys put Live Nation," said one are resident at Thursday's meeting.

Live Nation insists that's not the plan, but they are also quick to point out residents new what they were getting into when they moved into the area.

"People are resistant to change, especially older people, and that's understandable. I'm resistant to change. But without change, there's no progress, right?" said Joey Scoleri, Live Nation senior vice president of strategic marketing.

Recreation and Parks commissioners want improvements to the Greek Theatre, a factor in choosing which vendor is better equipped to keep the Greek in playing form for years to come.

Live Nation says in the end their winning bid was simply a better deal for the city.

"We offered more money, more shows, better vision for what the Greek can be as a flagship venue for the city and for the community, and it was a lot of information, but as they got into it, that's what showed the best proposal," said Joe Berchtold, Live Nation chief operating officer.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with the City Council Committee on Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River and encourage them to consider the issues that have been raised and not addressed when the Live Nation proposal is before them. We are extremely grateful for all the community support we have received, including the 27,000 people who have signed a petition in support of our operation and vision for the Greek Theatre," Alex Hodges, CEO of Nederlander Concerts, said in a statement.

Nederlander Concerts has managed the Greek Theatre for 39 years.

Live Nation's venues in Los Angeles include the Wiltern and the Hollywood Palladium. The company also ran the recent Made in America Festival at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles.

Nederlander operates the Pantages Theatre and the City National Grove of Anaheim.

City News Service contributed to this report.