Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham boosted by concert promoter in their battle with Tottenham to take over Olympic Stadium
West Ham have been boosted by the world's biggest concert promoter in their bid to take over the Olympic Stadium.[LNB]Live Nation, the US-owned company which promotes events for rock and pop acts such as U2 and Madonna, have been revealed as part of the Hammers/Newham Council consortium.[LNB]The company is understood to be interested in running official live events at the London 2012 Games, including a concert in Hyde Park.[LNB] London calling: The Olympic Stadium is taking shape in Stratford [LNB]West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said the move really enhanced the consortium's ambitions in terms of its legacy.[LNB]'This fantastic support from Live Nation will take our legacy ambitions to another level,' said Brady.[LNB]'Over the past eight months we have been talking to the biggest and best global names to ensure we can make the Olympic Stadium dream a reality.[LNB]'Live Nation immediately bought into our vision and see the potential in turning the world's spotlight firmly on to east London, and the determination we at West Ham and Newham have to regenerate this proud part of the capital - and preserve the Olympic ideals.[LNB]'We will create a busy, viable and sustainable stadium that will stand for generations to come.[LNB]'We will make a multi-million pound investment to make it suitable for the different uses we propose but we are adamant it will be free of ongoing public subsidy and gate receipts will be shared with Newham Council, ensuring financial benefits are passed on to the local community.[LNB]'The area will also benefit in many other ways such as employment, health and education.'[LNB]Delighted: Karren Brady[LNB]After a series of meetings, Paul Latham, Chief Operating Officer of Live Nation Entertainment, wrote to Brady pledging his support for the bid.[LNB]Latham declared: 'Further to our recent meetings and discussions, I confirm Live Nation's support for the West Ham/Newham Council bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games.[LNB]'Live Nation is the world's largest live events company. In 2009, Live Nation sold 140 million tickets, promoted 21,000 concerts, partnered with 850 sponsors and averaged 25 million unique monthly users of its e-commerce sites.[LNB]'We regard the Olympic Stadium as an exciting project which would be a superb venue for hosting major concerts and other events.[LNB]'We would be happy to continue working with you to ensure that we bring major concerts and other events to the Stadium on an annual basis.'[LNB]Live Nation are the latest leading organisation to endorse the West Ham-Newham bid with those on board including: Westfield, HS1 Ltd, University of East London, Essex Cricket, ExCel London and London City Airport.[LNB]Initially, West Ham hoped to partner AEG but, after a disagreement over who would be the majority partner, the entertainment giant switched its backing to a rival bid by Tottenham.The Spurs/AEG bid claim they have no intention of retaining an athletics track after the games although Olympic chiefs insist the track must remain to meet the promise made by London 2012 boss Sebastian Coe.[LNB]AEG is intent on winning the bid but Spurs say it is only a back-up option to redeveloping White Hart Lane.[LNB] West Ham will make Olympic Stadium best sports arena in England, says GoldExpect riots if Spurs move into 2012 stadium, warns SullivanHypocrites! West Ham blasted over 2012 row as Spurs confirm positionWEST HAM UNITED FC
