As previously reported by the Austin American-Statesman, both festival weekends would still take place at Austin’s Zilker Park with the 2013 dates set for Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13.
The newspaper noted in its July 25 post that as part of the deal C3 Presents would increase the money it donates annually to improve Austin parks. C3 partner Charlie Jones previously said that the donation would include an amount “in the millions” earmarked for renovating and maintaining Auditorium Shores.
C3 produced the first Austin Food & Wine Festival at Auditorium Shores this spring. Austin Park Director Sara Hensley told the American-Statesman that a donation from C3 could improve the venue by paying for new sod, a new irrigation system, new restrooms and possibly a food concession space.
Over the past several years C3 has donated millions to the city and the nonprofit Austin Parks Foundation to upgrade Zilker Park’s Great Lawn as well as other local parks. Of course this is on top of paying park rental fees required of all big events in city parks. The promoter has also paid the city $1 per ACL Fest ticket sold for several years.
Jones previously told the American-Statesman that if ACL was expanded C3 would increase the percentage of ACL Fest ticket sales it donates to improve Austin parks. C3 has given Austin Parks Foundation 8.5 percent of ticket sales in recent years.
Hensley told the American-Statesman that C3 had also offered to cover the cost of additional security and cleanup crews in the neighborhoods near Zilker Park during the festival.
Now that the Austin City Council has OK’d the proposal, the city staffers must negotiate the exact amount C3 will donate.
The 2012 ACL Fest is scheduled Oct. 12-13 at Austin’s Zilker Park. Fans will most likely welcome two weekends because general admission passes for this year’s festival are all sold out. VIP and Platinum tickets are still available.
The 2012 lineup includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The Black Keys, Jack White, Florence & The Machine, The Avett Brothers, Avicii, Alabama Shakes, The Roots, The Shins, Bassnectar, Rufus Wainwright, Iggy & The Stooges, Metric and more.