The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a multiyear exclusive booking agreement with the Oak View Group (OVG) to bring more concerts to Dodger Stadium. OVG was created last year by former AEG executive Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff, a prominent executive in the music and entertainment industry.
“We’ve had many of the greatest names in the music industry perform at Dodger Stadium and teaming up with Irving and Tim will bring many more great performers to our beautiful venue,” said Lon Rosen, the Dodgers executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
Over the past few years there’s been a noticeable increase in Major League Baseball stadiums playing host to events outside of their natural intention.
However, the phenomenon has also extended beyond baseball stadiums, particularly in Los Angeles.
During the summer of 2013, musical artists Jay Z and Justin Timberlake co-headlined the Legends of the Summer Stadium Tour.
The duo began the tour at Toronto’s Roger Centre and concluded their trek in August at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Stops between included two shows at Yankee Stadium, one at Candelstick Park, the Rose Bowl and Fenway Park, among others.
Then in 2014, Jay Z and his wife, Beyoncé, co-headlined the On the Run Tour, with shows staged inside several professional stadiums. Dodger Stadium was not included in either of the aforementioned tours, but Chavez Ravine did play host to Paul McCartney in August 2014, and AC/DC last September.
“We said from day one that OVG will set out to work with the best and most iconic properties and this partnership with the Dodgers’ organization helps prove that point,” Leiweke said.
“Music can be a second anchor tenant to these facilities and we believe in that model to help drive more revenue for our clients. Most importantly, this is a great day for music fans in Southern California and we will work tirelessly to give them what they want and an experience that they will remember.”
Arranging for musical acts to perform at Dodger Stadium certainly presents its share of challenges considering the Dodgers play 81 home games each season. Tied into that is the time needed to setup and breakdown a stage, lighting equipment, cameras, etc., and the impact on the outfield grass.
Notable concerts held at Dodger Stadium include, The Beatles in 1966, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna.
