TAMPA, Fla. — Ybor City’s music scene could soon see a major change, but not everyone is excited. A proposed Live Nation venue is part of the Gasworx project, and it’s drawing some backlash from residents and business owners.
People we spoke with have a few concerns, including how a large, corporate venue will impact the character of the current arts scene in Ybor, and they’re worried about Live Nation itself.
“I do feel Ybor is the most special part of Tampa, both presently and historically,” said Angel D’Angelo.
D’Angelo is a lifelong Tampa resident who now calls Ybor City home. He says when he heard about Live Nation’s plans to open a 4,300-person music venue in the Gasworx district, he immediately had concerns about how it would affect other smaller venues in Ybor, so he started a petition.
And in less than a week, he says he has collected nearly 3,000 signatures.
“I’d really like to see us sustain our local arts scene and small businesses that have been failing since the pandemic, and the gentrification, instead of investing in what some are calling a monopoly,” he said.
Rendering of the proposed concert venue (Credit: Live Nation)
In April, a federal jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster ran a monopoly, illegally limiting competition and overcharging fans.
“The bigger concern with this 4,000-person venue is the operator, which is Live Nation, which just got found guilty in a court of law of being a monopoly and practicing anti-competitive practices,” said Tom DeGeorge.
DeGeorge is the co-owner of Crowbar, and he also serves as the Southeast President of the National Independent Venue Association. He says event spaces like his are already suffering — he is set to close in July after being here for 25 years, and he says Live Nation moving in would likely hurt the few smaller venues that are left.
“I think the concern is corporate things coming into the market while independent locals get forced out of the market,” he said. “We need to do a better job when we have development of protecting those anchor businesses that support the businesses around them and care about supporting those businesses.”
This came up briefly at a Tampa City Council CRA meeting on Thursday. DeGeorge mentioned his concerns with Live Nation and said he planned on coming back to discuss it further.
Some people have a different take on this. There are people who say there is space for both Live Nation and the smaller venues, and they believe they could support each other and bring more business and music fans to this district.
The City of Tampa says it will have to go through a series of public meetings and the permitting process before any plans are finalized. The first meeting is with the Barrio Latino Commission on May 26. They are in charge of reviewing development projects in Ybor and making sure they preserve the historic character.
The penalty phase for Live Nation is expected to stretch into 2027.
Spectrum News reached out to the developer, KETTLER, and Live Nation for comment and received this statement: “We’re excited for the opportunity to bring more live music and entertainment to Tampa and grow the city’s music scene. This venue is designed to complement existing venues, bringing more artists and fans to Ybor City while supporting local businesses and driving economic activity. We’re continuing to meet with neighbors to listen, share our vision, and ensure the project reflects the character and history that make Ybor City so special,” said Brittany Flores, Live Nation Florida Market President.
Live Nation says the venue is projected to generate $80 million in annual economic impact, to support about 440 jobs, and contribute roughly $6 million each year in state and local tax revenue.