TAMPA, Fla. Tampa city officials are taking another look at a proposed Live Nation concert venue in Ybor City that could bring thousands of music fans to the area while raising concerns about the future of the historic district and its independent businesses.
The proposed 4,300 capacity venue would be located along North 15th Street as part of the Gasworx development. Live Nation says the project could generate millions of dollars in economic activity and create about 400 jobs.
But some Ybor City business owners, musicians and residents say the project could threaten the neighborhood’s unique character and make it more difficult for smaller, independent venues to compete.
City officials have moved cautiously on the proposal, delaying votes and holding multiple meetings as they weigh its potential economic benefits against concerns from the local entertainment community.
A public hearing Tuesday morning is the latest step in that process.
Supporters Say There Is Room for Everyone
Live Nation officials argue the new venue would complement, rather than compete with, Ybor City’s existing businesses and music scene.
The company says bringing a major concert venue to Gasworx could attract more visitors and music fans to the district, creating additional opportunities for nearby restaurants, bars and smaller venues.
Opponents, however, fear a large corporate owned venue could fundamentally change the character of Ybor City.
Tampa resident Angel D’Angelo launched a Change.org petition opposing the project earlier this year. He initially hoped to collect 100 signatures. The petition has since surpassed 13,000 signatures.
“I think that my biggest concerns with these projects is it corporatizes a very, very unique character and tries to make it a brand when it really, it just cannot be sold and packaged in that way,” D’Angelo said.
He said the concern goes beyond competition for customers.
“It takes the small guy and turns it into this large venue that’s corporate, and there’s just no way you can replicate a local scene at a corporate level.”
Former Crowbar Owner Raises Concerns
Another prominent voice opposing the project is Tom DeGeorge, the former owner of Crowbar in Ybor City.
DeGeorge closed the longtime venue earlier this year and now serves as president of the Save Our Stages Southeast Chapter.
During a Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency meeting last week, DeGeorge argued that smaller music venues across the country have struggled or closed as larger entertainment companies have expanded into their markets.
He also pointed to legal challenges involving Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which have faced scrutiny over their market power and business practices.
City Leaders Consider Support for Smaller Venues
Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera has suggested the city create an advisory council focused on supporting smaller, independent music venues.
Exactly what that support could look like remains unclear. Possibilities could include marketing and advertising assistance, incentives or other programs designed to help independent venues compete.
The debate over the Gasworx venue comes as Tampa continues to balance redevelopment and economic growth with efforts to preserve Ybor City’s distinctive history and local culture.
If approved, Live Nation has said it hopes to open the new venue by 2028.
