A panoramic view of the Rose Bowl, January 2020 (File photo – Aaron Ames)
On Tuesday, May 16, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion co-authored by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn to back SB 96, a legislative bill that would reinvest a portion of sales and use tax revenues generated by historic entertainment and sports venues – such as the Rose Bowl and Hollywood Bowl – back into those venues to upgrade their accessibility and infrastructure.
By News Desk
“I believe in investing in our vibrant historic venues to keep them refreshed and ready to serve anyone who attends a show, watches a game, or enjoys a live performance in our County,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Time and use take their toll on historic venues, so we need to be deliberate about keeping them well maintained, secure, and safe for all.”
“We are lucky that Los Angeles County is home to so many beautiful historic venues, but we will lose them if we don’t invest in their preservation,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Upkeep for these historic venues is expensive so this legislation could be a gamechanger and could make the difference in ensuring these theaters are around for the next generation to enjoy.”
Support for SB 96, called the Historic Venue Restoration and Resiliency Act, is widespread. City of Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo reflected on how the bill could benefit the Rose Bowl and surrounding region.
“SB 96 will undoubtedly create a positive impact to ensure infrastructure readiness and resolve at our historic sports and entertainment venues that showcase L.A. County and California to the world,” Gordo said. “Coupled with the evolution of the national stage college football and the advancement of UCLA Football into the Big Ten Conference, America’s Stadium will remain as a vibrant center to the sports and entertainment world.
“Senate Bill 96 would help provide much-needed infrastructure support for the preservation and resiliency of our County’s and State’s historic live event and sporting venues,” said Rose Bowl Stadium CEO and General Manager Jens Weiden.
I wonder if this bill counts the Flea Market as a “live event” for purposes of getting that 5% (out of the 10.25% Pasadena sales tax rate) funneled back into the Rose Bowl.
Also, I can see this leading to more live events at the Rose Bowl with a heavy merchandise selling component. Sell cars on the 50 yard line during a rock show? 🙂