The Portland City Council convened on March 17, 2025, to address various community concerns, primarily focusing on the proposed 3,300-seat venue by Live Nation. The meeting began with public comments on non-agenda items, allowing residents to voice their opinions on pressing local issues.

One of the first speakers, Zach Berritz, raised concerns about the new branding of Portland police vehicles, which he described as "black on black," making them harder to see. He questioned whether this design choice was intentional and expressed discomfort with the stealthy appearance of the cars.

Amber Card, general manager of the Portland House of Music and Events, highlighted the potential negative impact of the new venue on smaller local businesses. She noted that parking issues during events at nearby venues already affect her business, and she fears that the influx of patrons to a larger venue will exacerbate these problems, potentially leading to job losses for her staff.

Other local artists and venue representatives echoed similar sentiments. They expressed fears that the arrival of Live Nation would threaten the existing cultural ecosystem in Portland. Concerns were raised about increased traffic congestion, parking shortages, and the potential displacement of smaller venues and artists. Many speakers argued that the proposed venue would not only harm local businesses but also diminish the unique character of Portland's arts scene.

Tim Sweeten, a taxpayer, questioned the rationale behind investing in Merrill Auditorium if a larger venue would overshadow it. He urged the council to consider the long-term implications of allowing such a large venue to operate in close proximity to existing ones.

Several speakers called for a moratorium on large-capacity venues until a thorough impact analysis, including traffic and parking studies, could be conducted. They emphasized the need for careful consideration of how the development aligns with Portland's vision for a sustainable and vibrant community.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to prioritize the interests of local artists and businesses over the profit motives of large corporations like Live Nation. The overwhelming sentiment among public commenters was a desire for the city to protect its unique cultural landscape and ensure that any new developments serve the community's long-term interests.