To Play, See And Be Among The Stars Los Angeles, CA

THE GREEK THEATRE TURNS 90 THIS FRIDAY!

Date: September 21, 2020
Los Angeles, CA
    
Contact: Becky Colwell – Greek Theatre General Manager
bcolwell@lagreektheatre.com/323.606.8110

THE GREEK THEATRE TURNS 90 THIS FRIDAY!

Since 1930 the historic Greek Theatre, located in Griffith Park has stood as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. 

Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music – from Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santa and many more! "The Greek Theatre has brought the world to Los Angeles, with nine decades of historic shows and iconic performances," Councilmember David Ryu said. "This is Los Angeles' amphitheater, and though we cannot celebrate its 90th birthday in person this year, we can honor and cherish the history made on its stage - and look forward to future years of live performances."

Despite hosting thousands of performers, the Greek is no stranger to troubling times. Before 2020 and the array of challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Greek witnessed the effects of World War 2, serving as a barracks rather than hosting world renown performers. 

As the Greek persevered in the 1940’s, she will once again grace the pages of music history when gatherings for live music commence again.

“As the Greek turns 90, we hope fans of the venue will share stories and experiences of their favorite Greek concert memories with each other and us,” said Mike Shull, General Manager, Recreation and Parks. “We want everyone to remember that music heals and we will be back!”

Sign up to receive our emails at lagreektheatre.com, follow us on Instagram @Greek_Theatre, and Facebook @TheGreekTheatre for week long contests and fun as we celebrate turning 90 this Friday, September 25th, 2020!


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The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, and is operated by SMG World. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com  
 

City Council Approves Greek Theatre Operations Agreement with SMG

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 22, 2018
Press Contact:
Estevan Montemayor
estevan.montemayor@lacity.org
213.605.4145

City Council Approves Greek Theatre Operations Agreement with SMG

Los Angeles - Today, following a competitive review process, The Los Angeles City Council approved a five-year agreement with SMG for operating the Greek Theatre, a popular and historic venue in Griffith Park for concerts, community events and concessions. The agreement includes a four-million dollar capital improvement plan for the Greek as well as improvements around traffic, sound and infrastructure. Councilmember Ryu, who represents Griffith Park and the neighborhoods surrounding the Greek Theatre, released the following statement:

“I am thrilled today to announce a new agreement between the City and SMG to operate our storied Greek Theatre,” Councilmember Ryu said. “This substantive agreement, which includes $4 million in improvements, is the result of a robust process which strived to meet the needs of the theatre and the surrounding community.”

“We are proud of the new agreement with SMG to assist with the daily management our iconic and historic Greek Theatre,” Mike Schull, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, said. “This agreement will bring real improvements to the Greek, and ensure this remains a cherished venue for the City of Los Angeles and a first class experience for our patrons and the surrounding community members.”

The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks. SMG’s current agreement to operate the Greek Theatre expires on November 1st, 2018. The process to create a new agreement began in November 2017 with the release of a “Request for Proposals” that was open to all interested operators. The finalists from this process, SMG and Oak View Group (OVG), presented their proposals in March. Compared to OVG’s $1.1 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to $4 million dollars in improvements to the Greek Theatre, including renovations to three of the decks and concession stands, enhanced entrance and security, and the replacement of every chair, for  the chance to operate the Greek Theatre for another five years.

"We are honored to continue management and operation of the Greek Theatre on behalf of the City of Los Angeles,” Doug Thornton, Executive Vice President of SMG, said. “The Greek Theatre is a unique facility in an extraordinary setting within Griffith Park.  We look forward to our continued partnership with the City of Los Angeles."

The agreement allows for SMG to operate the Greek Theatre for five years, with the option for the City to renew the agreement for another five years. Aside from the $4 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to host monthly meetings with the nearby community, use sound monitoring services to study and reduce sound impacts on neighbors, and implementing a “hot-line” for community members to immediately contact SMG senior staff. SMG’s approved proposal also includes increased staff for parking, security and event management to ensure smooth events with little impact to nearby residents. SMG is also exploring non-impactful off-season opportunities to increase revenue for the Department of Recreation and Parks, including tours of the 88-year-old theatre.

“Operating the Greek Theatre is about more than just running a music venue,” Councilmember Ryu said. “It’s about serving the neighborhood, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors and ensuring the legacy of this cultural institution continues to make our City proud.”

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Los Angeles City Councilmember David E. Ryu represents the 4th Council District which includes Griffith Park, Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont and portions of Koreatown and Van Nuys.

LA Food Policy Council Highlights - Good Food Purchasing at the Greek Theatre 02/27/18

Congratulations to the Greek Theatre for taking big strides toward meeting the Good Food Purchasing Policy standards! The venue scored highly in the Local Economies and Nutrition categories, and more than doubled its purchases in the Fair Labor category. It expanded its vegetarian menu, which helped prevent up to 34,947 pounds of CO2 that would have been created by meat consumption. That’s the equivalent of taking 1,344 cars off the road for a day!

In addition, the venue donated $275,000 to feeding hungry children in the LA Region and helped several local minority-owned microenterprises expand business. The Greek Theater also started its own garden to grow herbs for garnishes and beverages. Not only is the Greek Theater thinking critically about procurement from farm to fork, but they're bringing it back to the soil, too. The venue is acquiring a new dehydrator to turn food scraps into compost for use in their garden, landscaping, and to contribute to parks.

With over 300,000 guests each season, the Greek Theater is trailblazing in the Good Food Purchasing program.

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Greek Theatre Named “Best Small Outdoor Venue"

For Immediate Release

Greek Theatre Named “Best Small Outdoor Venue”

West Conshohocken, PA (February 12, 2018) - The Greek Theatre was honored this week at the annual Pollstar Conference in Los Angeles, by being named recipient of the 2017 Red Rocks Award/ Best Small Outdoor Venue.

The iconic LA, outdoor venue, owned by the City of LA, and overseen by the Department of Recreation and Parks is managed by SMG. SMG, the world’s largest facility management company, was chosen in 2015 to manage the facility and completed a major transition in 2016 from an exclusive operator model to an open venue system. This change opened
the doors to a diverse array of talent, promoters and entertainment legends. In 2017, the Greek Theatre hosted a record number of events between the months of April – October with a total attendance of 338,000.

Under the open venue model, the City of Los Angeles reaped a record $5.5 million in net revenue from rent and services, parking, food and beverage sales, premium seating, and sponsorships, which helped to fund over $1.5 million in capital improvements for the venue.
“2017 was an Incredible year for the Greek Theatre with well over 300,000 visitors. Receiving the Pollstar award was thrilling for our management team after the consistent hard work dedicated to this beloved venue. The Greek Management and Food and Beverage Team worked diligently at preparing the venue and event calendar for the 2017 season. Partners Goldenvoice, Live Nation and Nederlander Concerts put together another jam-packed season of entertainment featuring over 70 concerts to include John Legend, Logic,
Buckingham McVie, Sam Hunt, Pete Townshend, Haim and Harry Styles. We look forward to again working with our partners, hosting artists and entertaining music fans in the summer of 2018!”said Becky Colwell, SMG Greek Theatre General Manager.

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About The Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre is a 5,901-seat music venue located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1929, opening on September 29 of that year. Designed by architect Samuel Tilden Norton, the theatre stage is modeled after a Greek temple. The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, and is operated by SMG World. The venue is among the City’s most cherished public sites.
The historic Greek Theatre stands as one of the nation’s most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment venues. Throughout its history, the Greek has played host to some of the biggest legends in music. This iconic venue has also served as a site for numerous high school graduations, community events and backdrops for television shows and motion
pictures. For more information visit: www.lagreektheatre.com

About SMG
Celebrating its 40th anniversary and founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe,
SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, Premier and SAVOR. Currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide, including high profile facilities
such as Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, CA, McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, BOK Center in Tulsa, and Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. For more information visit www.smgworld.com

Greek Theatre’s Becky Colwell wins 2017 IEBA Venue Executive of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andrew Hernandez
Phone: 323.391.1371

Greek Theatre’s Becky Colwell wins 2017 IEBA Venue Executive of the Year Announces 2017 Season

LOS ANGELES, California (Monday, October 23, 2017) –

The Greek Theatre’s Becky Colwell was awarded the prestigious 2017 Venue Executive of the Year by the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) at the 47th annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The IEBA annual conference attracts talent buyers, promoters, agents, managers, artists, producers and music industry professionals. Nominees in each category were considered by a nominating committee of their industry peers based on individual excellence and leadership.

Becky has been the SMG General Manager of the Los Angeles Greek Theatre since the fall of 2015.  During Becky’s tenure, the open venue model was implemented adding over $6 million in operating profits back to the City of Los Angeles.  Prior to the Greek Theatre, Becky served for 12 years as the General Manager of the SMG managed Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina.

  

With a career dedicated to Amphitheatre management, Becky has had the unique experience of leading venue teams in both small and large markets.

 

To keep up with the Greek Theatre schedule, visit www.lagreektheatre.com and sign up for weekly updates, follow us on facebook: thegreektheatre, twitter: Greek Theatre, and Instagram: greek_theatre.

 

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RIBOLI FAMILY WINES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH L.A.’s ICONIC GREEK THEATRE - 5/18/17

RIBOLI FAMILY WINES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH

L.A.’s ICONIC GREEK THEATRE

Los Angeles, Calif.- The Riboli family of L.A.’s original urban winery San Antonio Winery, now celebrating 100 years, is very excited to announce concert goers can now enjoy their award-winning wines at the iconic Greek Theatre. Now music fans have the opportunity to experience the perfect pairing of wines from Southern California’s most awarded winery, while reveling in their favorite music under the stars.

“We’re honored to be able to give Southern California concert goers the opportunity to enjoy our wines at such a historic, beautiful venue as the Greek Theatre,” said Steve Riboli, vice president of Riboli Family Wines. “This partnership makes the celebration of our 100 years even more special, as two storied L.A. establishments, are coming together for the first time to offer fans the ultimate experience.”

From crisp and refreshing white wines, such as Maddalena Chardonnay, recently awarded 91 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute, and the brand new San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for warm nights, to bold, quality reds, including Maddalena Cabernet Sauvignon (92 points, Beverage Tasting Institute) and San Simeon Merlot (91 points, Beverage Tasting Institute), Riboli Family Wines offers something for everyone. For those wanting to enjoy some bubbly, there is also the Diama sparkling rosé, a delicious Prosecco with hints of red berries, crisp citrus, and fragrant flowers, ideal for summer.

These wines can all be purchased throughout the theatre by the glass or bottle, which concert goers could then enjoy from a plastic carafe in the comfort of their seats. They could also relax before the show in the specially branded Riboli Family Wine lounge (pictured right), just below the Fandango VIP lounge.

Those in the box suites can choose from an additional selection of wines from Riboli Family Wine’s estate vineyards in Paso Robles, including San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon, recently awarded 90 points from Wine Spectator, and Opaque Zinfandel, earning Best Zinfandel and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. They can also enjoy the stellar Riboli Family Cabernet Sauvignon from the family’s estate vineyard in Napa Valley’s prestigious Rutherford appellation.  

“The Greek Theatre is proud to partner with Riboli Wines for the 2017 event season,” said Becky Colwell, Greek Theatre General Manager. Their commitment to excellence and award-winning brands is a perfect match for the nation’s premier outdoor venue, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre!”

Fans with access to the Fandango VIP lounge will also get to enjoy a tasting of Riboli Family Wines at specially designated shows, including the upcoming Bryan Adams concert Saturday, May 20, John Legend with Gallant May 28 and 29, Sheryl Crow June 8, Boston June 16, and Prince Royce July 15, to name a few.

About Riboli Family Wines: The Riboli family has been producing award-winning wine for four generations. Headquartered at San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, Riboli Family Wines produces 18 different brands, including award-winning San Simeon, Maddalena, and Opaque.  Its vineyards are located in Paso Robles, Monterey, and Napa, and it is the most awarded winery in Southern California. For more information, visit www.riboliwines.com and for media requests, please contact Melissa Gonzalo at 323-330-8789 or mgonzalo@sanantoniowinery.com.

 

Greek Theatre Wins 2016 Pollstar Award - 02/03/17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Andrew Hernandez
Phone: 323.391.1371
 

Greek Theatre Wins 2016 Pollstar Award

LOS ANGELES, California (Friday, February 3, 2017)  

The Greek Theatre was honored last night at the Pollstar Live Awards Party in Los Angeles, as the 2016 “Best Small Outdoor Venue”!

The property, owned by the City of LA and managed by SMG, completed a major transition in 2016 from exclusive operator model to an open venue model for the iconic and beloved historic venue. Together with new venue management operator Pennsylvania based, SMG and SMG’s food company Premier, the Greek Management team worked hard at preparing the venue and event calendar for the 2016 season. Partners Goldenvoice, Live Nation and Nederlander Concerts put together a jam-packed season of entertainment featuring a wide array of artists to include Pepe Aguilar, Alabama Shakes, Chance the Rapper, Steve Miller Band, Jackson Brown and Mumford & Sons.

Patron enhancements included elements such as:

Venue wide wi-fi upgrades
A new mix of food and beverage options reflecting California tastes, fresh products and innovative presentation
Coffee kiosk complete with Greek Theatre merchandise
State of the art LED video screens
New furniture in box suites and hospitality areas
Improved shuttle experience with clean air City of LA Dash Buses and additional off-site spaces at only $10 per car.
A fresh coat of paint, beautiful landscape treatments and touring artists enjoyed dressing room upgrades designed by LA-based design firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios.

“2016 was a fantastic year for the Greek Theatre. Receiving the Pollstar award was thrilling for our management team after the hard work and dedication for this beloved venue. We look forward to again working with our partners, hosting artists and entertaining music fans this coming summer!”. Becky Colwell, SMG Greek Theatre General Manager.

To keep up with the Greek Theatre schedule, visit www.lagreektheatre.com  and sign up for weekly updates, follow us on facebook: thegreektheatre, twitter: Greek Theatre, Instagram: greek_theatre and snapchat: thegreektheatre.
 

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