Full coverage: L.A. Coliseum scandal

L.A. Coliseum under scrutiny
For more than a year, The Times has been reporting on financial irregularities at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, stories that have triggered several criminal and civil inquiries. Three former Coliseum managers, two nationally prominent rave promoters and a stadium contractor have been indicted in the scandal. Commission members | Documents | Arrest photos

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times / March 22, 2012)

L.A. Times couldn't be barred from reporting on testimony, judge rules

9:31 PM AKDT, May 9, 2013

L.A. Times couldn't be barred from reporting on testimony, judge rules

A judge ruled on Thursday that The Times could not be stopped from reporting on testimony from the top manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in a deposition for an open-government lawsuit.

Coliseum hid reports of financial woes, records show

May 9, 2013

Coliseum hid reports of financial woes, records show

The overseers of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum concealed from the public independent reports of lax financial controls and widespread spending abuses at the taxpayer-owned stadium that included sloppy accounting of hot dog sales and excessive perks for managers, records show.

Coliseum manager walks out during deposition

March 21, 2013

Coliseum manager walks out during deposition

The top manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum refused to answer questions Wednesday after his lawyer objected to the presence of Los Angeles Times reporters at a deposition in an open-government lawsuit against the stadium's overseers.

Coliseum sues ex-auditor, alleging failure to detect corruption

6:10 PM AKST, February 14, 2013

Coliseum sues ex-auditor, alleging failure to detect corruption

The financially troubled Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission alleges its former auditor failed to detect errors in financial statements between 2007 and 2011, a time when alleged corruption ensnared the taxpayer-owned agency.

State should not lease museum parking lots to USC, developer says

4:28 PM AKST, February 9, 2013

State should not lease museum parking lots to USC, developer says

Steve Soboroff, the wealthy developer and civic leader, says the state should reject a proposed deal that would give USC a long-term lease of parking lots used by three public museums neighboring the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

L.A. rave promoter moving concert to Devore

February 6, 2013

L.A. rave promoter moving concert to Devore

After complaints about drug use and noise, a Los Angeles-based rave company is moving one of its annual concerts from its longtime home in San Bernardino to Devore, but some neighbors of the new venue are angry about the change.

Rave producer Insomniac defends concerts, criticizes Times

February 4, 2013

Rave producer Insomniac defends concerts, criticizes Times

The statement by L.A.-based Insomniac Inc. did not address the deaths specifically but said the story sought to "twist facts" and "turned everyone who enjoys electronic music events into villains."

A fatal toll on concertgoers as raves boost cities' income

2:30 PM AKST, February 2, 2013

A fatal toll on concertgoers as raves boost cities' income

On the edge of the Mojave, music promoter Pasquale Rotella staged a rave about 11 years ago that ended with a coroner's wagon rolling down desert roads.

GRAPHIC: 14 rave-goers who died, deadly mix of drugs and raves

2:30 PM AKST, February 2, 2013

GRAPHIC: 14 rave-goers who died, deadly mix of drugs and raves

Struggling local governments welcome large music events staged by L.A.-based promoters, but a review of coroner's and law enforcement reports reveal a tragic pattern of drug overdoses. Below are 14 rave-goers who have died.

State says L.A. Coliseum has breached lease

6:50 PM AKST, January 15, 2013

State says L.A. Coliseum has breached lease

The declaration came as the latest sign of fiscal distress for the Coliseum.

Coliseum panel misses $500,000 rental payment to state

7:06 PM AKST, January 11, 2013

Coliseum panel misses $500,000 rental payment to state

The financially strapped Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission has failed to pay $500,000 in rent to the state of California.

Legislature's black caucus objects to parts of USC-Coliseum deal

10:13 PM AKST, January 9, 2013

Legislature's black caucus objects to parts of USC-Coliseum deal

All nine members of the Legislature's black caucus are urging state officials to scrap parts of a deal that would allow USC to run the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

2 ex-Coliseum workers plead not guilty to embezzlement, conspiracy

January 7, 2013

2 ex-Coliseum workers plead not guilty to embezzlement, conspiracy

Two former employees of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum pleaded not guilty Monday to theft and conspiracy charges in their first court appearance since being charged last month by city prosecutors.

USC would gain control of taxpayer-owned parking lots under proposal

December 18, 2012

USC would gain control of taxpayer-owned parking lots under proposal

A proposed agreement between the state and USC would give the private university control of taxpayer-owned parking lots that serve the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and several public museums at Exposition Park.

Details behind Yaroslavsky's 2004 Super Bowl tickets in dispute

October 9, 2012

Details behind Yaroslavsky's 2004 Super Bowl tickets in dispute

County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky used his position on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission to score a pair of hard-to-get tickets to the 2004 Super Bowl in Houston. Whether he paid for them, why he obtained them and who provided them is in dispute.

Science museum chief has 'serious concerns' about USC deal

September 6, 2012

Science museum chief has 'serious concerns' about USC deal

Museum's president says USC's planned takeover of the Coliseum could cause disruptions to sites in Exposition Park.

No evidence Coliseum chief illegally sought USC job, agency says

August 10, 2012

No evidence Coliseum chief illegally sought USC job, agency says

California's political watchdog agency said it was unable to substantiate allegations that the interim head of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum illegally sought a job with USC while he was responsible for protecting taxpayers in talks to turn over control of the stadium to the university.

Coliseum faces millions in losses

July 19, 2012

Coliseum faces millions in losses

The governing body of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum learned Wednesday that it is expected to lose millions of dollars this fiscal year, driving the taxpayer-owned stadium into a much deeper financial ditch as it reels from a costly corruption scandal.

Fugitive in Coliseum corruption case says he was whistle-blower

3:00 AM AKDT, July 18, 2012

Fugitive in Coliseum corruption case says he was whistle-blower

A fugitive in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum corruption case says that for years he alerted his superiors to alleged criminal wrongdoing at the stadium, but they did nothing.

President of L.A. Coliseum Commission resigns abruptly

June 7, 2012

President of L.A. Coliseum Commission resigns abruptly

The president of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission resigned abruptly Wednesday, saying he quit because his work on a deal to grant USC stewardship of the nearly bankrupt stadium was complete.

Family of girl, 15, who overdosed at Coliseum rave to get payment

June 2, 2012

Family of girl, 15, who overdosed at Coliseum rave to get payment

The family of a 15-year-old girl who overdosed on Ecstasy at a rave concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and later died will receive a settlement of $190,000 on behalf of the stadium, the rave promoter and a former Coliseum manager, lawyers said.

May 31, 2012

Porn company had permit to film at Coliseum

The company that filmed hard-core sex scenes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum obtained a permit for the shoot, but the document does not describe the movie as pornographic and the stadium's governing commission said Wednesday that it did not approve the production.

Coliseum porn star congratulated by Snoop Dogg, mom

11:40 AM AKDT, May 30, 2012

Coliseum porn star congratulated by Snoop Dogg, mom

One of the stars of a pornographic movie shot partly at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum said he received a congratulatory call from rapper Snoop Dogg, who saw a story about the experience in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times.

Porn video shot on Coliseum grounds

4:00 AM AKDT, May 30, 2012

Porn video shot on Coliseum grounds

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum field is the place where the USC Trojans play football, two Summer Olympics were staged, John F. Kennedy accepted the Democratic presidential nomination and Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass.

Leaders of cash-strapped Coliseum complex claim luxury suite

May 24, 2012

Leaders of cash-strapped Coliseum complex claim luxury suite

Last month, four of the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena's bosses decided to catch the Boss, so they used their government position to claim a luxury suite for Bruce Springsteen's sold-out stand there.

 Panel OKs Coliseum lease deal

May 15, 2012

Panel OKs Coliseum lease deal

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, teetering on the brink of financial ruin, approved a controversial deal Monday to surrender day-to-day control of the historic venue to USC.

Parks seeks to halt vote on Coliseum deal with USC

11:01 PM AKDT, May 11, 2012

Parks seeks to halt vote on Coliseum deal with USC

Citing a state investigation of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's top executive, City Councilman and stadium Commissioner Bernard C. Parks demanded Friday that a Monday vote on surrendering stewardship of the venue to USC be canceled.

State political watchdog is investigating L.A. Coliseum chief

May 11, 2012

State political watchdog is investigating L.A. Coliseum chief

State authorities are investigating whether the head of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum illegally sought a job with USC even as he was responsible for protecting taxpayers in talks to surrender control of the stadium to the university.

State may delay USC deal on Los Angeles Coliseum

8:57 PM AKDT, May 2, 2012

State may delay USC deal on Los Angeles Coliseum

The state appeared to be ready to put the brakes on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission's proposed lease deal with USC on Wednesday, the same day the panel posted losses of more than $7 million since 2009.

Former Coliseum official invokes 5th Amendment to grand jury

April 25, 2012

Former Coliseum official invokes 5th Amendment to grand jury

Invoking his right against self-incrimination, the former finance director of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum declined to testify before a grand jury about alleged corruption at the stadium, then answered questions after a judge granted him limited immunity, transcripts of the proceedings show.

Hot Property: Coliseum corruption case defendant sells house

2:08 PM AKDT, April 18, 2012

Hot Property: Coliseum corruption case defendant sells house

Among names of note to pop up on sales that have finally slowpoked their way into the public record is Todd DeStefano, who has sold his Pasadena house for $1.92 million. The former L.A. Coliseum events manager is charged with receiving more than $2 million in illegal payments for helping to stage raves at Coliseum properties and keeping the costs down, according to Times reports.

Coliseum unveils proposed lease with USC

April 18, 2012

Coliseum unveils proposed lease with USC

After months of secret negotiations that drew fire from open-government advocates, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission unveiled a proposed lease Tuesday that would surrender public control of the historic stadium to USC.

L.A. Coliseum had scant controls over spending, audit finds

April 13, 2012

L.A. Coliseum had scant controls over spending, audit finds

 A new city report assails officials in charge of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for failing to impose even basic financial controls, allowing the routine squandering of public money and permitting corruption to take root in "a dysfunctional and risk-prone culture."

Coliseum: Judge affirms asset freeze on rave CEOs, ex-manager

5:02 PM AKDT, April 11, 2012

Coliseum: Judge affirms asset freeze on rave CEOs, ex-manager

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge refused to lift an order freezing the assets of three men indicted on corruption charges related to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Coliseum panel again bars public from discussion of proposed USC deal

April 5, 2012

Coliseum panel again bars public from discussion of proposed USC deal

The public again was excluded Wednesday from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission's monthly deliberations over a proposed lease that would cede control of the taxpayer-owned stadium to USC.

Coliseum Commission prepares to give USC control of stadium

April 4, 2012

Coliseum Commission prepares to give USC control of stadium

Staggered by a financial scandal that unfolded on their watch, the public officials who run the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum are preparing to turn over control of the taxpayer-owned stadium to USC under a lease that would deliver it into private hands for up to 42 years.

Figure in Coliseum corruption case is in 'jungles of Brazil'

April 3, 2012

Figure in Coliseum corruption case is in 'jungles of Brazil'

A fugitive in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum corruption case said he was in "the jungles of Brazil" and will not return to face trial in an alleged kickback scheme because he shouldn't have been charged.

Ex-Coliseum technology manager pleads not guilty in corruption probe

March 30, 2012

Ex-Coliseum technology manager pleads not guilty in corruption probe

A former technology manager for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum surrendered to authorities Thursday and pleaded not guilty to criminal conflict of interest.

Former Coliseum official pleads guilty to one count, avoids prison

March 29, 2012

Former Coliseum official pleads guilty to one count, avoids prison

Days after his arrest on multiple corruption charges, the former general manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum pleaded guilty to a single criminal count of conflict of interest, avoiding a trial and possible lengthy prison sentence.

One of six men indicted in Coliseum corruption scandal remains at large

March 27, 2012

One of six men indicted in Coliseum corruption scandal remains at large

One of six men indicted last week in the corruption scandal engulfing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum remains at large and has given no sign that he plans to surrender to face charges of embezzlement and conspiracy, prosecutors said Monday.

Coliseum case widens; six are charged

March 24, 2012

Coliseum case widens; six are charged

In a public corruption scandal that has tarred one of the city's most treasured landmarks, six men were charged Friday with bilking the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum out of millions of dollars during a six-year spree of embezzlement, bribery and kickbacks.

Coliseum probe brings three arrests

March 23, 2012

Coliseum probe brings three arrests

Two former Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum executives and the head of a prominent rave company have been arrested in connection with a corruption scandal involving millions of dollars in questionable financial transactions at one of the nation's most storied stadiums.

Coliseum Commission again meets behind closed doors on USC deal

March 8, 2012

Coliseum Commission again meets behind closed doors on USC deal

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission on Wednesday spent nearly all of its monthly meeting behind closed doors, continuing a pattern of secrecy that critics say runs afoul of laws requiring government transparency.

Coliseum panel's secret talks could jeopardize proposal on USC

March 7, 2012

Coliseum panel's secret talks could jeopardize proposal on USC

In a hushed, dark-walled hearing room, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission had gathered for some momentous deliberations, finalizing a plan to turn the 88-year-old, taxpayer-owned stadium over to USC.

L.A. Coliseum Commission officials cash in on unused sick leave

February 13, 2012

L.A. Coliseum Commission officials cash in on unused sick leave

Top officials at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum have shown a knack for banking healthy chunks of unused sick leave on the public payroll — in one case, about 35 years' worth.

Coliseum Commission takes heat over transparency, halts meeting

February 2, 2012

Coliseum Commission takes heat over transparency, halts meeting

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission came under fire from state officials Wednesday for a lack of transparency, then was forced to cancel its monthly meeting halfway into the session after officials acknowledged the venue had failed to publicly post the agenda as required by law.

Coliseum officials made $1 million in cash payments to union

February 1, 2012

Coliseum officials made $1 million in cash payments to union

For at least five years, officials with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum passed bundles of cash totaling more than $1 million to a union representative, sometimes in a suitcase packed with $100 bills.

Longtime Coliseum finance director is off the payroll

January 12, 2012

Longtime Coliseum finance director is off the payroll

A top Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum official caught up in an ongoing financial scandal no longer works at the stadium, the county counsel's office said Wednesday.

Cash payments made at Coliseum raves to be probed

January 10, 2012

Cash payments made at Coliseum raves to be probed

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission said Monday that it would amend a lawsuit against two of its former managers and a pair of rave companies to include new allegations that large cash payments were improperly made to a union representative as wages for stadium stagehands.

Tracing Coliseum's fiscal decay

December 31, 2011

Tracing Coliseum's fiscal decay

Month after month, the financial forecasts for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum seemed as sunny as could be.

USC moves closer to getting control of L.A. Memorial Coliseum

December 22, 2011

USC moves closer to getting control of L.A. Memorial Coliseum

The scandal-tainted Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission took an important step Wednesday toward turning over day-to-day control of the historic venue to USC.

Coliseum finance director earned Visa points on stadium upgrade

December 11, 2011

Coliseum finance director earned Visa points on stadium upgrade

Last spring, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum set out to upgrade the sound system for its new video board. The equipment and shipping costs were steep -- about $270,000.

Coliseum commissioner Ridley-Thomas tied to questionable expenditure

December 8, 2011

Coliseum commissioner Ridley-Thomas tied to questionable expenditure

By the time the NFL's Carolina Panthers took the field for the 2009 season, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum had been out of the pro football business for more than a decade.

Offices, home of concert promoter raided as part of Coliseum probe

November 11, 2011

Offices, home of concert promoter raided as part of Coliseum probe

Los Angeles County authorities have raided the offices and home of a concert promoter as part of a widening investigation into a financial scandal at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, The Times learned Thursday.

Coliseum Commission sues two former top managers

November 4, 2011

Coliseum Commission sues two former top managers

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission on Thursday sued two former top managers, alleging that they enriched themselves through "corrupt efforts" that siphoned more than $1 million in public money from the stadium.

Figures in financial scandal no longer on Coliseum payroll

October 26, 2011

Figures in financial scandal no longer on Coliseum payroll

Two Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum employees caught up in a financial scandal at the stadium are no longer working there, officials said.

Ex-Coliseum official received payments from stadium contractor

October 23, 2011

Ex-Coliseum official received payments from stadium contractor

Patrick Lynch, while serving as general manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, received hundreds of thousands of dollars from a stadium contractor who deposited the money in a Miami bank, according to interviews and documents.

L.A. County supervisors make auditor available for Coliseum

October 5, 2011

L.A. County supervisors make auditor available for Coliseum

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors has made its auditor-controller available to review the books of the troubled L.A. Memorial Coliseum Commission and act as the stadium authority's interim finance director.

Developer Rick Caruso resigns from Coliseum Commission

September 29, 2011

Developer Rick Caruso resigns from Coliseum Commission

Wealthy developer Rick Caruso resigned Wednesday from the scandal-plagued Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, ending a stormy tenure during which he clashed frequently with fellow panel members over their stewardship of the stadium.

L.A. city controller to audit Coliseum finances

September 27, 2011

L.A. city controller to audit Coliseum finances

Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel is dispatching a team of auditors to pore over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's books because of a financial scandal that is already the subject of a criminal investigation.

Coliseum officials charged taxpayers thousands for fill-ups

September 26, 2011

Coliseum officials charged taxpayers thousands for fill-ups

As finance director for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Ronald Lederkramer didn't need to do much driving to keep an eye on the stadium's books.

Two L.A. Coliseum managers go on leave amid calls for their ouster

September 16, 2011

Two L.A. Coliseum managers go on leave amid calls for their ouster

Days after City Councilman Bernard C. Parks demanded their dismissals, two managers of the scandal-ridden Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum have been allowed to take paid medical and administrative leave, according to documents and interviews.

L.A. Coliseum sued by family of girl who died after attending rave

September 9, 2011

L.A. Coliseum sued by family of girl who died after attending rave

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission and the event company Insomniac were sued Thursday by the parents of a teenage girl who died of an Ecstasy overdose after attending a rave at the stadium.

L.A. Coliseum panel votes to pursue new lease with USC

September 8, 2011

L.A. Coliseum panel votes to pursue new lease with USC

The governing body of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum voted Wednesday to pursue a new lease with USC that could give the school greater control over the stadium, the home field for Trojans football.

Parks seeks ouster of L.A. Coliseum's top two officials

September 4, 2011

Parks seeks ouster of L.A. Coliseum's top two officials

City Councilman Bernard C. Parks called Saturday for the dismissal of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's top two officials because of a growing financial scandal over the private business dealings of stadium managers.

Coliseum official directed stadium work to firm he founded

September 3, 2011

Coliseum official directed stadium work to firm he founded

Last year, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum's technology manager enlisted a private company to help stage events such as a UCLA-USC soccer match, ESPN's X Games and a run-up to the Lingerie Bowl, an alternative Super Bowl halftime show.

Trojans may add a hurdle to the NFL's return

August 12, 2011

Trojans may add a hurdle to the NFL's return

Ever since the NFL left Southern California in 1995, USC has held the mantle of L.A.'s championship football team.

Two theater chains won't show film after near-riot in Hollywood

July 30, 2011

Two theater chains won't show film after near-riot in Hollywood

Two major theater chains have decided not to show the documentary "Electric Daisy Carnival Experience" in the wake of a near-riot outside the film's Hollywood premiere earlier this week.

Coliseum official gets 17% raise amid scandal

July 27, 2011

Coliseum official gets 17% raise amid scandal

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum recently granted a 17% raise to the official who oversaw the stadium's finances throughout a scandal involving allegations of conflict of interest, excessive perks and poor fiscal oversight.

Coliseum officials got big vehicle perks

July 17, 2011

Coliseum officials got big vehicle perks

In his final two years running the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Patrick Lynch enjoyed around-the-clock use of a 2009 Cadillac owned by the landmark stadium.

Coliseum official's own companies made $1.7 million in deals

June 25, 2011

Coliseum official's own companies made $1.7 million in deals

Last year, Coca-Cola sent a $70,000 check to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for its share of bottled water and soda sales at the historic stadium.

L.A. Coliseum officials tell USC they can't afford $60 million in renovations

June 17, 2011

L.A. Coliseum officials tell USC they can't afford $60 million in renovations

For the first time, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission officials acknowledged Thursday that they would be unable to keep their promise to USC to make nearly $60 million in sorely needed renovations to the 88-year-old stadium.

Prosecutors raid homes of former Coliseum officials in ethics probe

June 10, 2011

Prosecutors raid homes of former Coliseum officials in ethics probe

County prosecutors have raided the homes of two former administrators for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, seizing computers, documents and other material in connection with a conflict-of-interest scandal surrounding the agency.

Coliseum official profited on side deals

June 9, 2011

Coliseum official profited on side deals

A former top manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission collected tens of thousands of dollars in private payments from liquor and soft drink companies, television and movie firms, rave promoters and other interests that did business with the agency, records and interviews show.

Coliseum official seeks to improve staff oversight

May 19, 2011

Coliseum official seeks to improve staff oversight

The president of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission acknowledged Tuesday that the commission failed to closely monitor its managers, a statement that comes several months after The Times disclosed that a commission events manager was also employed by a rave company that held events there.

Coliseum expected to lose $297,000 because it canceled Electric Daisy Carnival rave

April 15, 2011

Coliseum expected to lose $297,000 because it canceled Electric Daisy Carnival rave

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission is expected to lose $297,000 for the fiscal year that ends in June, the result of canceling the Electric Daisy Carnival rave.

California accuses L.A. Coliseum of allowing teens to drink alcohol

March 4, 2011

California accuses L.A. Coliseum of allowing teens to drink alcohol

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has accused the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum of multiple violations of its conditional alcohol license during the Electric Daisy Carnival rave last year, including allowing teenagers to consume alcohol.

L.A. Coliseum panel tightens rules on approving contracts

March 3, 2011

L.A. Coliseum panel tightens rules on approving contracts

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission tightened oversight of management Wednesday, enacting an emergency measure requiring all new event contracts to be approved by the full nine-member commission.

Giant rave will not return to L.A. Memorial Coliseum this summer, officials say

February 25, 2011

Giant rave will not return to L.A. Memorial Coliseum this summer, officials say

A giant rave that became caught up in a conflict-of-interest scandal even as it faced criticism that it bred drug abuse will not return this summer to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, officials said Thursday.

L.A. Coliseum manager quits over aide's ties to rave promoter

February 16, 2011

L.A. Coliseum manager quits over aide's ties to rave promoter

The administrator who has managed the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena since the venues hosted professional football and basketball resigned abruptly Tuesday following disclosures that he allowed a top assistant to work on the side for the producer of a trouble-plagued rave at the Coliseum.

Commissioners to discuss Coliseum manager's future

February 15, 2011

Commissioners to discuss Coliseum manager's future

The longtime general manager of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum could find his job in jeopardy Tuesday when his bosses meet behind closed doors to discuss his decision to allow a top assistant to double as a paid consultant to the producer of a controversial rave at the stadium.

Coliseum official who worked for rave producer also hired a lobbyist

4:48 PM AKST, February 13, 2011

Coliseum official who worked for rave producer also hired a lobbyist

An administrator for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission who doubled as a paid consultant to a producer of raves also hired his own City Hall lobbyist as he sought to keep the controversial events at the stadium, according to records and interviews.

Rave support shrinks in light of Coliseum official's alleged conflict of interest

February 10, 2011

Rave support shrinks in light of Coliseum official's alleged conflict of interest

The head of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission on Wednesday withdrew his support for bringing a giant rave back to the stadium after The Times disclosed that an administrator for the agency worked at the same time for the producer of the trouble-plagued event.

Los Angeles Coliseum official was paid by rave firm

February 9, 2011

Los Angeles Coliseum official was paid by rave firm

A top administrator for the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission helped plan and oversee security and emergency services for a huge rave, the 2010 Electric Daisy Carnival, at the same time he was a paid consultant to the company producing the event, which was marred by numerous drug overdoses and the death of a teenage girl.

USC president urges students not to attend raves

January 27, 2011

USC president urges students not to attend raves

The president of USC is warning students not to attend raves, saying use of the illegal drug Ecstasy at the massive dance parties "can create a ripple effect of dangers that lead to catastrophic consequences."

Family files claim over teen's death after a rave

January 3, 2011

Family files claim over teen's death after a rave

The parents of 15-year-old Sasha Rodriguez, who died of an ecstasy overdose after attending a rave, have filed a claim against the management of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

January 2, 2011

25 arrested, 17 hospitalized during rave

At least 17 people were hospitalized and more than two dozen arrested during a New Year's Eve rave at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, but there were no reported fatalities.

California legislation would ban raves at publicly owned venues

December 23, 2010

California legislation would ban raves at publicly owned venues

Reporting from Sacramento -- Raves would be outlawed at publicly owned venues in California under a proposal made Wednesday by a lawmaker after the death of a teenager and scores of injuries at rave events in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

L.A. Coliseum commission decides to continue having raves

December 2, 2010

L.A. Coliseum commission decides to continue having raves

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to require rave promoters to come before it at least 60 days in advance of an event for approval, an action taken as an alternative to reinstating a ban on the events.

Los Angeles Coliseum panel urged to reconsider ending rave ban

November 5, 2010

Los Angeles Coliseum panel urged to reconsider ending rave ban

Two L.A. Coliseum commissioners Thursday urged their board to reconsider the surprise decision to lift a moratorium on raves that had been in place since the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old girl in June after she attended a massive festival at the stadium.

Coliseum panel overturns ban on raves

November 4, 2010

Coliseum panel overturns ban on raves

In a surprise move, L.A. Memorial Coliseum Commission members Wednesday overturned a moratorium on raves put in place after the drug overdose death of a 15-year-old girl who had attended an event held at the public facility earlier this year.

10:41 AM AKDT, October 24, 2010

16 attending rave are hospitalized

Sixteen people were hospitalized and 40 were arrested at a Halloween-themed rave at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, authorities said Sunday.

Coroner confirms Ecstasy overdose caused death of girl who went to rave

2:37 PM AKDT, August 31, 2010

Coroner confirms Ecstasy overdose caused death of girl who went to rave

Los Angeles County coroner's officials said Tuesday that Sasha Rodriguez, the 15-year-old girl hospitalized after attending the Electric Daisy Carnival rave in June, died as the result of an overdose of MDMA, a drug commonly known as Ecstasy.

August 23, 2010

80 arrests, 16 medical calls at rave

A rave at the Los Angeles Sports Arena resulted in 80 arrests and 16 medical calls, according to city police and fire officials.

Coliseum bans minors at 3 planned raves

July 17, 2010

Coliseum bans minors at 3 planned raves

No new raves will be allowed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena in the near future, but events already scheduled for Aug. 21, Oct. 23 and New Year's Eve will be permitted to go forward with stricter oversight, including a ban on minors, commissioners said Friday.

Coliseum commission will discuss ban on raves

July 16, 2010

Coliseum commission will discuss ban on raves

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena could stand to lose significant amounts of money if the public commission that oversees the venues continues a moratorium on rave concerts.

Death at Electric Daisy Carnival draws attention to connection between raves and Ecstasy

July 5, 2010

Death at Electric Daisy Carnival draws attention to connection between raves and Ecstasy

The suspected drug overdose death of a 15-year old girl who attended a massive rave in Los Angeles last weekend has drawn attention to the drug her family was told was found in her body: Ecstasy.

L.A. Coliseum temporarily bans raves after teen girl's death

July 1, 2010

L.A. Coliseum temporarily bans raves after teen girl's death

When the Electric Daisy Carnival — a massive dance party with top-name acts — rolled into town last weekend, officials thought they were prepared, this time.

Girl, 15, dies after weekend rave at L.A. Coliseum

June 30, 2010

Girl, 15, dies after weekend rave at L.A. Coliseum

A 15-year-old girl died Tuesday of a suspected drug overdose after attending a rave over the weekend at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum that had a minimum age requirement of 16.

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9:42 AM AKDT, May 16, 2013

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