There are several exceptions, including:
• Since the new parking fee will impact ticket sales
January 1, 2008 and later, season ticket holders for 2007-2008
will not be affected. They should expect to see the new
parking fee added to their next season ticket purchase.
• Free events, including Friday Fest, Jazz Club
outdoor concert and military band performances, will remain
free with no parking fee.
• Non-ticketed events, such as weddings and graduations,
will be assessed a $1.00 parking user fee per person. The
additional parking fee will be separate from the rental
fee, and based upon the number of people in attendance.
• Anyone who rents the VWPAH and sells tickets for
a performance (ie: dance recital) either through the VWPAH
box office or otherwise, will be charged a $2.00 parking
fee per ticket.
It is anticipated the City of Sarasota will collect $250,000
- $300,000 per year with the implementation of the parking
fee schedule. “It’s not unusual for entertainment
venues and events to have paid parking,” said Bartolotta. “There’s
paid parking at Ed Smith Stadium and Disney. Why should
this be any different? With this parking fee and other
user charges, we hope to eliminate the Van Wezel’s
deficit over a three year period.” The Van Wezel
ended the 2006-2007 budget cycle $1.4 million in the red.
The current budget reduces the amount to $590,830.
Other venues for the performing arts throughout Florida
charge for parking. For example:
• Clearwater: $5.00 parking fee per vehicle at Ruth
Eckerd Hall.
• Orlando: $8.00 parking fee per vehicle at Bob
Carr Performing Arts Hall, plus $1.25 service charge through
Ticketmaster.
• West Palm Beach: $10.00 parking fee per vehicle
at the Raymond Kravis Center.
Members of the public who would like more information may
call the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: 941-955-7676.
The media may contact Jan Thornburg at 941-954-2613
for more information.
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com
