BONNER SPRINGS, KS (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Live Nation has officially announced that it will allow its contract to expire at the publicly-owned Verizon Wireless Amphitheater outside of Kansas City, Missouri, ending months of speculation as the decision deadline loomed.
“The 2007 summer concert season will not be affected by this decision,” Live Nation spokesman John Vlautin told the Kansas City Star.
“Live Nation remains committed to its 2007 slate of concerts…and will continue to bring top-quality talent to other venues in the Kansas City area.”
Live Nation’s decision to release its management duties at the 18,000-capacity shed may be a byproduct of its evolving business model, which has recently focused primarily on mid-level theaters and smaller clubs, or it could have resulted from unresolved issues with the city. Earlier this year, the company sought a commitment from Unified Government for a bigger stage to handle larger acts at the venue, but was met with silence on the issue.
Live Nation had until June 30 to exercise a five-year option to renew the management contract at the venue, which began when it took over the role following its spinoff from Clear Channel in 2005.
Unified Government plans to look to other possible management companies, including Global Spectrum, who operates the nearby Kemper Arena.
Live Nation also manages the United Government’s 3,500-seat Memorial Hall in downtown Kansas City. That contract also expires on December 31st, but does not include a renewal clause. Officials have said that they expect to seek management bids for that venue later this year. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
