Commission Impossible?

The Coliseum Commission met this afternoon to discuss a number of issues, but it wasn't bronze plaques and HD jumbotrons that caused a capacity-crowd to spill into the lobby and side rooms.

The commission addressed concerns over the future lease agreement with USC and stated its case. It seemed to express surprise over USC's threats to move to Pasadena, and made it clear that another 2-year offer was on the table. Afterward, City Council President Bernard Parks also made it clear he wasn't happy with the idea of handing control of a public building over to a private institution.

Representatives from the university responded, both in session and afterward, that the commission hadn't adequately addressed their offers and concerns, and was still hanging onto unrealistic dreams of an NFL franchise. USC even threatened to sign a lease agreement with the Rose Bowl as soon as the controlling interests in Pasadena agree -- potentially after a meeting tomorrow afternoon.

One of the primary sticking points with the Coliseum appears to be the ongoing lease negotiation between the commission and the state of California.

As earlier reported on this blog, the Coliseum is a public building, but it turns out the lease and sublease hierarchy looks a little more like this:

People -> State of California -> Coliseum Commission -> Temporary Tenants

The Coliseum Commission is controlled in equal parts by the state, county and city.

Temporary tenants can include USC football, soccer games, concerts and 5K races.

The commission addressed concerns over threats made to employees, and all parties involved made it clear such behavior was inappropriate.

All parties also agreed that they wanted USC to continue playing in the Coliseum.

Ultimately, this is just a struggle over who gets the most money and influence. Even if USC signs with the Rose Bowl tomorrow, don't be surprised if it backs out as soon as a new deal is reached with the Coliseum.

Comments

[Russ Kidder]

The Honorable Bernard Parks has been attempting to turn over control of the Coliseum to to private entity...the NFL...for years. Maybe he should reread his speeches for the past decade or so.

[PK-IN-THE-MESA]

parks what kind of name is that, it should be farts because that is the only sound coming from there group of shize koffs

[Alex]

The Coliseum Commission is just another example of the ineptitude of our overpaid government employees. This city has mismanaged everything and anything. USC on the other hand is a brilliant, efficient, business oriented and real estate savy university who has the money and trackrecord to make the Coliseum a quality stadium. Parks is a hypocrite for saying he does not want to give up control, while he would give away the stadium to the NFL, as there would probably other monetary perks involved for himself. I will say disband the Coliseum Commission and bring in private enterprise.