A.G. Gancarski
Could the Jacksonville Big Ticket concert festival be imperiled by the EverBank Field amphitheater deal? The promoter worries, according to city emails.
Saying he was “very nervous about our future in Jacksonville,” in light of the $90 million stadium improvement package that includes an amphitheater, promoter Danny Hayes emailed the Lenny Curry administration officials this month.
“Met Park and the Jags’ contemplated amphitheater are not the same type of venue at all,” Hayes said, citing the Jags’ venue being “smaller than 7,500 people” while Met Park “can hold events like Big Ticket and Welcome to Rockville” that draw over 25,000.
Worth noting: Projected capacity of the Jags’ amphitheater is no more than 5,000.
What happens if Metropolitan Park’s amphitheater is not improved?
Possibly, departure.
“A decision to not make improvements to Met Park is synonymous with kicking us out of Jacksonville and sending our economic impact to Daytona or St. Augustine,” writes Hayes.
The ironies abound. Country Superfest fell out with the city over terms and will be moving to Daytona. The St. Augustine amphitheater’s draw was a major talking point in selling the Jags’ package to Council. And the new amphitheater? Talked up as a replacement for the Metropolitan Park one, which caused myriad noise complaints over the years.
Chief of Staff Kerri Stewart wrote Hayes back:
“Sam [Mousa] and I gave you our word that we would work with you and your team to stay (and hopefully expand) in Jacksonville. I will not speak for the Councilmembers; but please remember that they were responding to hypothetical questions before they took the vote on Everbank stadium improvements. We remain committed to working with you and look forward to further discussions,” Stewart wrote.
Does Jacksonville’s City Council bet $45 million on “hypothetical questions?”
That would be a question worth asking.
