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Este informe no está disponible en español. CARIBBEAN BUSINESS Angelo Medina To Bring NBA Games To Coliseum Producer satisfied with outcome of coliseum controversy; acknowledges SMG’s expertise By JOANISABEL GONZALEZ-VELAZQUEZ August 5, 2004 Producer Angelo Medina is in negotiations with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to hold several of its games at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in Hato Rey, and has already scheduled its first concert for next month. "We’re in negotiations with the NBA. It is definite. We considered producing some games for this year, but it is likely to happen in 2005," said Medina in an exclusive interview with CARIBBEAN BUSINESS. Medina also said singer / songwriter Robby "Draco" Rosa will give the coliseums’ first concert Sept. 18. Medina hopes to produce large-scale events, such as the Latin Grammy Awards, at the coliseum. "We need to produce big events to ensure the venue’s success," he said. Medina said local producers are willing to hold events at the $230 million facility despite the recent controversy embroiling the government; SMG, the coliseum’s operator; and local producers (CB April 22). "The government faced opposition over the coliseum’s operation because they didn’t understand the kind of know-how needed for the sports & entertainment industry," said Medina. "Despite SMG’s expertise in [managing entertainment facilities], we complained because some of its decisions, based on [the stateside] show industry, aren’t compatible with Puerto Rico." Rental fees were one bone of contention as they can reach $85,000 per event, "SMG based local fees on numbers that don’t all reflect Puerto Rico’s reality. For example, stateside tickets average $100; in Puerto Rico, the average cost is $45," said Medina. Producers are waiting for Gov. Sila Calderon to enact Bill 2656 to renegotiate fees. The bill will amend the Convention Center District Authority (CCDA) law 351 from 2000, creating an executive committee to handle coliseum affairs in the CCDA (CB May 27). The Legislature approved the bill on June 22. In addition, producers persuaded the Legislature to file Senate Bill 2715 to create a professional organization for producers, restricting those without licenses from entering the business. "We’re relieved and satisfied that our claims were heard," said Medina. "Things are on the right track. SMG and the government have been receptive [to our concerns]. This venue will be good for Puerto Rico and will open new doors for the local entertainment industry." Empresas Angelo Medina’s subsidiaries include the local basketball team Cangrejeros de Santurce. It manages more than a dozen Latin pop stars such as Shakira, Ednita Nazario, Marc Anthony, and La Oreja de Van Gogh. This Caribbean Business article appears courtesy of Casiano Communications. or
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