Monmouth Park, AEG Live and The Thoroughbred Management Inc. Join Forces for New Concert Venue, Opening May 2015

By: Apr. 17, 2014
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Oceanport, N.J. - Monmouth Park, AEG Live, and The Thoroughbred Management, Inc. (TTM) have entered into an exclusive booking agreement for a new 7,500-seat, outdoor concert venue slated to open its doors May 2015.

As part of a multi-year deal, AEG Live and TTM - led by industry veteran Jerry Bakal - will bring shows to the Jersey Shore racetrack during summer months as part of an entertainment complex also blueprinted to include a boardwalk, restaurant and Bluegrass Miniature Golf Course, which opened in 2012.

"We're extremely happy to announce our agreement with AEG Live and TTM," said Bob Kulina, President of Darby Development LLC, operators of Monmouth Park Racetrack. "Our partnership with these titans in the music industry will bring yet another form of exciting entertainment to our facility. We think this style of concert venue on the Jersey Shore is the perfect size and location for an amazing night out during the summer."

AEG Live - whose current and recent concert tour roster includes the likes of Katy Perry, Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift - will draw from years of experience in the industry to bring some of the country's best acts to the Jersey Shore.

"AEG Live has high standards when it comes to presenting the very best talent and delivering a quality fan experience," said Mark Shulman, Vice President and General Manager of AEG Live. "We are proud to have partnered with Monmouth Park and Jerry Bakal. Together, we will continue to bring this community the experience they deserve as we've done for years at the Starland Ballroom."

"We are thrilled about working with AEG Live and what the addition of a designated concert space will mean to Monmouth Park and the overall area," stated Jerry Bakal. "Our goal is to be a year-round entertainment destination for locals and visitors to Oceanport and the Jersey shore."

Once completed, the amphitheater will have approximately 3,500 covered seats along with a lawn suitable to hold another 4,000 fans.

"Our vision for Monmouth Park is to continue to grow as an entertainment destination for the entire family," said Dennis Drazin, advisor to Darby Development LLC and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. "With the addition of the concert venue, boardwalk and restaurant - in addition to our already-successful mini golf course - we feel we're well on our way to establishing an inexpensive setting for unparalleled Jersey Shore entertainment."

Monmouth Park's 57-day racing season gets underway Saturday, May 10. Highlighted by the $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational Sunday, July 27, the meet runs until Sunday, September 18.

For more information, visit www.monmouthpark.com.



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