That’s the word from the Fairmount Park Conservancy, who are working with the people behind Lollapalooza to bring a multi-day outdoor festival to Belmont Plateau (pictured) next summer.

No acts have been named yet, but for many Philophiles this may replace the annual 20 hour slog to Kentucky. The Plateau, if you haven’t visited, is definitely one of the nicest spots in Fairmount — with a good view of the skyline/memorial hall.

As part of the deal the promoter, C3 productions, has agreed to absorb all cleanup costs associated with the event. No small potatoes considering that may come in at over $1 million.

via The Clog

photo via Penn Urban Forestry 

The full release after the jump.

Fairmount Park Conservancy Proposes
Outdoor Concert Festival for Philadelphia

C3 Presents, Producers of Lollapalooza, Recommended to
Fairmount Park Commission

November 8, 2007 (Philadelphia, PA) – The Fairmount Park Conservancy, the non-profit fundraising and promotion arm of the Fairmount Park system, today announced that it has proposed a multi-day, multi-stage outdoor concert festival for Summer 2008, to the Fairmount Park Commission. According to the proposal, C3 Presents of Austin, Texas, will produce and promote the festival. C3 produces the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago and Austin City Limits in Austin, which are similar in size and scope.

Under the terms of the proposal, the festival will be held over a three day period during Summer 2008, on Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. C3 will pay for all expenses incurred by the City of Philadelphia for city services such as a police presence and trash pick-up, which could be upwards of $1 million according to city officials. The production company will also cover all costs associated with the restoration of Belmont Plateau following the festival. Additionally, C3 will contribute $500,000 or 7.5% of gross ticket sales, whichever is greater, to the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Funds raised from the festival will be used throughout the Fairmount Park System. Some will go to the improvement of West Fairmount Park, some will be used for capital upgrades throughout the Park system, and some will be used to support the Conservancy’s ongoing mission to raise funds and awareness for the Park system.

The proposal was made by the Conservancy to the Commission following a thorough review process that also included a proposal by Electric Factory Concerts/Live Nation. The City of Philadelphia was fully engaged in the transparent review process and is aware of the Conservancy’s proposal to the Commission.

“In making our recommendation to the Commission, we looked very carefully at two important factors,” said Katrina Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy. “First, we didn’t want the taxpayers of the City of Philadelphia to have to bear any of the cost associated with a festival. Second, it was important to us that the production company we selected had extensive experience producing multi-day, multi-stage concerts. C3 has proven their ability to deliver both, and we look forward using this festival to restore civic pride in the City and Fairmount Park.”

The Fairmount Park Commission will vote on the proposal at its regularly-scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 14th.

About the Fairmount Park Conservancy
The Fairmount Park Conservancy is the public-private partnership dedicated to developing the community, economy and environment of Philadelphia by raising funds and awareness for the Fairmount Park system. Since its founding in 2000, the Conservancy has raised more than $15 million for the achievement of these goals. For more information, please visit www.fairmountparkconservancy.org.

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