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Local promoter alleges ticketing shortfall, says Expo Center denied receipts; city pledges follow-up
Summary
A local event promoter told the commission he was short about $13,000 after an Expo Center event and said he had been denied ticketing and cash-receipt records; city officials said they would follow up and meet with the promoter.
Ricky Israel Parker, who identified himself at the Jan. 13 meeting as a professional MMA and kickboxing promoter, told the commission during public comment that ticketing reports from the Expo Center for his Nov. 13 event do not match his observations and that the Expo Center's manager refused to provide requested receipts and Ticketmaster information.
Parker said his event at the Expo Center that night had every available seat filled and additional spectators standing in concourses; he estimated attendance at more than 900 people and said the expo's own staff scanned 690 wristbands and later told him they sold only 454 tickets. "I'm more than ready to go that route because I've got a team of people just waiting on me to tell them what to do here," Parker said, indicating he was prepared to pursue legal remedies if necessary.
Nut graf: Parker said he believes the Expo Center shorted him about $13,000 in ticket revenue; city officials present said they would collect more information and follow up with Parker the next day.
After Parker's remarks, a city official stated the Expo Center operates under a joint city-county board and that the city does not have direct day-to-day oversight of the expo's operations; that official said the commission would follow up and requested Parker provide additional documentation so staff could assist.
Ending: Commissioners and city staff told Parker they would contact him to gather records and assess how the matter might be resolved without litigation.
