AEG Presents Enters Cleveland Market with Deal to Take over Operation of Historic Agora Theatre and Ballroom

Acquisition Expands Company’s Portfolio of Iconic Music Venues

CLEVELAND & LOS ANGELES--AEG Presents, LLC, a global leader in concert promotion and venue management, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Chris Zitterbart to acquire the operating rights to the historic Agora Theatre and Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. The acquisition adds the Agora to its portfolio of over 60 theaters and clubs and underscores AEG Presents’ strategy to expand its portfolio of iconic venues and footprint in key music markets across the country.

AEG Presents Enters Cleveland Market w/ Deal to Take Over Historic Agora Theatre and Ballroom

“Given its history and the litany of legendary acts that have played the room, the Agora has been the heart and soul of Cleveland’s live music scene for the past 50 years. It’s a truly unique concert venue and we look forward to bringing a wide array of artists to the live music loving city of Cleveland,” says Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents.

Located in downtown Cleveland and with a capacity of 2,000 (theatre) and 600 (ballroom), the Agora Theatre was founded by legendary club operator Henry “Hank” LoConti Sr., who was a driving force in the early rise of rock ‘n’ roll. In the 1970s and 1980s, LoConti gave exposure to hundreds of artists including such icons as Bruce Springsteen, U2, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, The Clash, Duran Duran and ZZ Top among other, and established the Agora’s global reputation as one of the premier music venues in the world.

“The opportunity to work with AEG Presents and to have them enter the Cleveland music scene is significant. They represent the best of having not only the resources necessary to grow the business, but because they also remain independently and privately owned they can afford to be patient and do things the right way. That combination bodes well for the future of the Agora Theatre and the types of shows they will bring to this market,” says Chris Zitterbart, operator of the Agora Theatre for the past 4 years.

About AEG Presents

AEG Presents is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents operates in North America, Europe and Asia through 16 regional offices that support its tours which include such artists as Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran and Kenny Chesney; produce or support over 25 music festivals, including the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival; and owns, manages or books more than 60 clubs and theaters. The Company conducts business under such globally renowned brands as AEG Presents, Goldenvoice, The Bowery Presents, Concerts West, Messina Touring Group, Marshall Arts LTD, and Madison House Presents. For more information, visit www.aegpresents.com.

Contacts
AEG Presents
Michael Roth, 213-742-7155
mroth@aegworldwide.com
or
Cassandra Zebisch, 213-763-7712
czebisch@aegworldwide.com